Simply clever win for MasterChef New Zealand's Nadia
More than 1000 amateur cooks applied to enter this year’s MasterChef New Zealand, and after 13 weeks and a series of intensive cooking challenges, 25 year old Auckland dietician, Nadia Lim has taken the coveted MasterChef New Zealand 2011 title.
In the two-hour MasterChef Special shown on TV ONE on Sunday night, Nadia and fellow finalist, Jax Hamilton battled it out in four tough challenges, testing their knowledge, skill and all-round cooking ability. But it was Nadia who kept her nerve under pressure. She won the title and took away $100,000 worth of prizes – including the premier prize, the multi award-winning ŠKODA Octavia vRS.
With hot-hatch dynamics, class-leading practicality and amazing levels of standard equipment, the Octavia vRS offers outstanding driving pleasure without the drawbacks usually associated with sports motoring such as a lack of space and creature comforts.
Nadia was presented with her car by James Yates, General Manager of ŠKODA New Zealand, who said, “We were delighted to be part of MasterChef this year. It’s great to be associated with a show that inspires people to do simple, clever things with food. I am thrilled to hand Nadia the keys to her brand new ŠKODA Octavia vRS. We’re sure she’s going to enjoy driving it. It’s sporty and practical – and perfect for taking her on culinary journeys, wherever she needs to go!”
Nadia adds: “This has been an amazing experience and a wonderful journey. I’ve learned so much and it’s going to take time for everything to sink in I think. I have so many people to thank – including ŠKODA – and I can’t wait to jump in the driver’s seat of my new Octavia. It’s a step up from what I have been driving, that’s for sure!
“My fiancé and I love bush walking – he’s a keen hunter – and we spend lots of time in the great outdoors. The ŠKODA Octavia is going to be an ideal vehicle for carrying our camping gear and travelling in comfort around New Zealand!”
ŠKODA, a member of the Volkswagen Group, was founded in 1895 as Laurin & Klement (in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic), manufacturing bicycles, followed by motorcycles and, in 1905, cars. ŠKODA sold 762, 600 cars in 2010 - the highest figure in the company’s history.
ŠKODA continues to collect awards for its cars and customer service. A selection includes:
• Yeti New Zealand AA Motoring Excellence Award 2010 – Small Crossover
Auto Express Overall Car of the Year – 2010
Auto Express Crossover Car of the Year – 2010
Top Gear World Family Car of the Year – 2009
• Octavia New Zealand AA Motoring Excellence Award 2007 – Medium 4 Cylinder Car
New Zealand AA Motoring Excellence Award 2008 – Small Crossover
What Car? - Best Hot Hatch 2006
What Car? - Best Small Family Car, 2005 and 2006
Auto Express Driver Power Winner – 2007 and 2008
• Superb New Zealand AA Motoring Excellence Award 2010 – Large Car
New Zealand Company Vehicle Magazine Large Business Car – 2010 (Combi)
Auto Express Family Car of the Year – 2010 (Sedan)
Auto Express Wagon Car of the Year – 2010 (Combi)
Top Gear World Luxury Car of the Year - 2009
New Zealand AA Motoring Excellence Award 2009 – Executive Car
• Customer satisfaction awards:
JD Power Survey of Customer Satisfaction – Second Overall 2007 & 2008, ranked in the Top 5 for past 13 years
Auto Express Driver Power – First Overall 2009, 2010 and 2011; Second Overall, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008
Top Gear Customer Satisfaction – First Overall 2006; Second Overall 2003, 2004 and 2005
Further information about ŠKODA can be found at www.skoda.co.nz