Ex-Masterchef finalist running cooking class for special needs students at Otumoetai College

Vanessa Baxter was a Masterchef finalist but says she loves working with children most of all. Photo/ Todd Eyre

A Masterchef finalist is offering a unique opportunity for Otumoetai College's Special Needs Unit - a two-hour, hands-on cooking demonstration.

Vanessa Baxter was on Masterchef in 2013, which is around the same time she approached Ronald McDonald House about introducing cooking classes and baking days to the kids staying at the House.

Baxter then became a Ronald McDonald ambassador.

"Caitlin [Fletcher] was one of the kids in the house at the time, she was absolutely thrilled to cook in the house - she also had been watching Masterchef, so for her it was a double whammy," Baxter said.

"Her dad came to me at the end of one of the sessions and said to me that I'd made her time there, and that she didn't have it easy and she will always be in learning support the whole way through her life and this has just been amazing."

Baxter and Caitlin kept in touch on Facebook and Baxter went to Caitlin's primary school in Mount Maunganui.

"Once she ended up at Otumoetai College she kept messaging me and kept asking if one day I could come to her school again," Baxter said.

"I contacted the school and the Special Needs Unit, which educates 28 kids and the head of the school was ecstatic and said 'please come down'."

The entire class of 28 pupils will be getting hands-on during the demonstration and they will be making two recipes: spring rolls and cupcakes.

Vanessa Baxter was a Masterchef finalist but says she loves working with children most of all. Photo/ Todd Eyre

"Caitlin has requested specially that we make spring rolls so we'll chop all the vegetables for the spring rolls and fry them on the side then they'll get to decorate a cupcake," Baxter said.

Ross Fletcher, Caitlin's father, said Caitlin is really excited about Baxter visiting the school.

"I do things at schools in Auckland for kids as well but I love doing these because it's A: for kids in regions and B: if it's a kid I met in Ronald McDonald house it just makes it more personal," Baxter said.

A GJ Gardiner homes franchisee has kindly donated funds to make this visit to the school possible.

The head of the Special Needs Unit at Otumoetai College couldn't be reached for comment.