Glitzy launch for Maketu's Masterchef winners (+pics & video)

Kasey and Karena Bird

Image 1 of 9: 150415bf1 . l-r Wai Morrison, Sarah Riley, Aurora Riley-Ngatai, 10, Felicity Kaiwai Photo/Ben Fraser

They've been a big hit in people's lounges but last night friends, family and fans got to spend an evening with Maketu's best known sisters Kasey and Karena Bird.

The duo celebrated the launch of their new book For The Love Of... with 320 dinner guests - including Rotorua MP Todd McClay and Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick - at the Stratosfare restaurant at Skyline overlooking Rotorua's nightscape.

"We know we're related to most of the people in Rotorua but we're amazed how many people have come," said Karena.

"I knew it would be quite glitzy but they're so supportive here. We've not had to worry about anything."

On the menu was a coconut curry mussel dish, a recipe the Birds developed for the restaurant as part of their partnership - every quarter they share a new dish with the kitchen staff for diners to enjoy.

If you had told the sisters two years ago they would be where they are today they would not have believed you, the past 24 months have been an eye-opener and life changer, they said.

"I never would have gone on Masterchef without my sister," said Kasey.

"It's been really amazing. It's made me feel less shy."

Karena said they feel welcomed wherever they go because of that one television series.

"People we meet say they feel they already know us, they feel that we're part of their family, Kasey's had to get used to that. Now she's the one giving the hugs."

They will visit a total 50 places in 27 days with the book and after that they hope to get into more kitchens.

"In another two years we'll have another cookbook," said Karena.

"And maybe our own restaurant," said Kasey.

Skyline Rotorua general manager Bruce Thomasen said they were rapt to be associated with the Bird sisters.

"They have done such a fantastic job for the Bay of Plenty," he said.

"We celebrate them and we really appreciate the opportunity to host them. Kitchen theatre is what Masterchef is about; by linking up with Kasey and Karena it helps elevate our team."