The heat was turned up full blast at a national chilli chomping competition yesterday - finishing in a three-way tie between a woman and two men.
Organisers of the New Zealand Chilli Eating Champs 2014 at the Hallertau Brewery, West Auckland, attempted to break the deadlock by asking the trio to each munch on two Carolina Reaper chillis - reckoned to be the world's hottest.
However, finalists Paul Smith, Amber Davies and William Austin swallowed their terror and scoffed those breath-taking red peppers as well.
Also among yesterday's field was Campbell Live reporter Lachlan Forsyth, who lost a bet on the Black Caps and was forced to eat chillis live on the show earlier this month.
Heats continue around the country over the next few months.
