Whangamatā’s beloved local butchery, Meat at the Beach, has proven it can mix it with the best in the business — taking home a Bronze Medal at the 2025 Dunninghams Great New Zealand Sausage Competition.
Owners Steven Hall and Janene Braithwaite say they’re thrilled by the recognition, which places their shop among the country’s top sausage makers.
“We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and of our whole team,” said Hall. “It’s a real testament to the care and craftsmanship that goes into everything we make here at Meat at the Beach.”
Their award-winning “Real Beef Sausage” earned bronze in the Beef category, one of 13 hotly contested divisions judged at the national event in Auckland on October 21. The competition attracted 814 entries from 115 butcheries nationwide, with 52 expert judges tasting and scoring over six days.
Hosted annually, the Great NZ Sausage Competition celebrates the country’s finest butchers and smallgoods producers, shining a light on New Zealand’s love for quality, handcrafted meat products.
Local tradition with a loyal following
Hall and Braithwaite have owned Meat at the Beach for four and a half years, continuing the legacy of a traditional-style butchery in the heart of Whangamatā. The shop is known for its handmade gourmet sausages, fresh New Zealand beef, lamb, pork, and chicken, and its signature creations — Whanga Bacon, Whanga Ham, and Whanga Black Pudding.
The team also offers specialty cuts, game-fish smoking, and home-kill processing, drawing on years of butchery experience and a commitment to craft.
“We couldn’t do it without our amazing staff and the ongoing support of our local community,” said Braithwaite. “Whangamatā has really stood by us, and this win is something we can all share pride in.”
The Meat at the Beach crew say they’ll keep perfecting their sausages — with their sights now set on silver or gold next year.
