Maketū Pies general manager Craig Williams with its new big red box, the hot pie vending machine at the Rotorua Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest.
Maketū Pies general manager Craig Williams with its new big red box, the hot pie vending machine at the Rotorua Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest.
For generations, the local dairy has been the beating heart of Kiwi communities – a place for the day’s news, a favourite magazine, bread and milk, 50-cent lolly mixes, and the occasional lunchtime pie or after-school ice cream.
But while corner dairies have continued to show up for their neighbourhoods,the past few years haven’t been easy. Now, one proudly Kiwi brand is calling on locals to show those small stores a little love in return.
Maketū Pies has launched a new competition inviting Bay of Plenty residents to vote for their favourite local dairy, with the goal of crowning the region’s best-loved corner store.
As a brand with deep roots in local communities, Maketū Pies understands the important role dairies play better than most.
General manager Craig Williams said recognising them through a regional competition was an easy decision.
“Maketū Pies became iconic across New Zealand in the 90s and 2000s, at a time when the corner dairy was firmly embedded in every Kiwi family’s daily and weekly life,” Williams said.
“Even now, you’d be hard-pressed to find a family that doesn’t stop at their local dairy at least once a week – and everyone has their favourites.”
Local dairies are a go-to shop for people needing a last-minute item on their way home or a snack throughout the day. Photo / Getty Images
As a community, Williams said, “we need to continue to support these local legends”.
“Open seven days a week, from early until late, for when you run out of that vital ingredient for dinner, or you’re just looking for a quick snack for your road trip.
“Your favourite local might be the one that stocks the viral food trends, the one with the best hot food, pick n mix lolly or scooped ice cream selection, or the one where the cashier always helps carry the groceries to Nan’s car – they all deserve a shout out."
Williams said the competition was to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes “who have been a quiet, but unwavering, anchor in our neighbourhoods”.
He said the competition offered a welcome dose of positivity at a time when many Kiwis were craving a bit of good news.
“Backing your local dairy is a simple way to share the love, come together, and say thanks to the places that are part of our everyday lives.”
The competition is underway now, and voting closes on Friday, April 10, through The Hits Bay of Plenty. Head to The Hits Rotorua Facebook Page to cast your vote.
Maketū Pies is a well-known community brand. Photo / Laura Smith
The winning dairy not only gets to claim bragging rights, but it also wins a promotional pack celebrating its status as the Best Dairy of 2026 and $1000 of Maketū Pies products.
And everyone who votes for their favourite local dairy goes in the draw to win some Maketū Pies merchandise and a stack of pies.
