the search is on for the bay’s favourite dairy

Update: Voting for this competition has now closed. Check out the winners.

Maketū Pies is on a mission to find the Bay of Plenty’s most beloved dairy, and it needs Western Bay and Rotorua locals to take part in the search.

Millions of Kiwis will remember a time when their local dairy was the bastion of their community.

It was the place you found today’s news or your favourite magazine, your weekly bread and milk, 50c lolly mixes, and, on special occasions, a pie for lunch or an ice cream on the way home from school.

Time to show our local dairies some love

Our faithful corner stores have had a tough run over the past few years, even as they’ve continued to show up for their communities.

Now, it’s time to show them a bit of love back.

As a proudly Kiwi brand with deep roots in local communities, Maketū Pies understands the important role dairies play better than most. We’re calling on Bay of Plenty locals to vote for their local dairy and help crown the region’s favourite.

Maketū Pies General Manager Craig Williams says running a competition that recognises local dairies “was a no-brainer”.

“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. Even now you would 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.

“As a community 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.

“We want this competition to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes who have been a quiet, but unwavering, anchor in our neighbourhoods.”

Craig says the competition was a welcome dose of positivity at a time when many Kiwis are 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.”

What was up for grabs

The winning dairy would claim bragging rights as the Best Dairy of 2026, along with a promotional pack celebrating their status and $1000 of Maketū Pies products.

Everyone who voted for their favourite local dairy also went in the draw to win some Maketū Pies merchandise and a stack of pies.

How voting worked

Voting ran through The Hits Tauranga and The Hits Bay of Plenty.