Bay of Plenty's famed Maketu Pies bought by local owner
Wednesday, 16 October 2019
Te Puke's Maketu Pies has been sold after it went into receivership earlier this month.
Maketu Pies' 40 employees were told on Wednesday the official transfer of ownership would take place on November 11 to Rotorua-based Te Arawa Management, a subsidiary of Te Arawa Lakes Trust Incorporated.
Te Arawa Lakes Trust Incorporated chairman Taa Toby Curtis says the purchase was 'simply the right fit' and it was important for the business to stay in local hands.
'As a result, we can ensure that it will continue to support the local economy,' Curtis said.
Maketu Pies were sold in Countdown, New World and Pak 'n Save supermarkets and were served on Qantas flights.
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Maketu Pies' website said the famed pie shop made its pies in Maketu, by hand, in the original way 'just as nana would have', baked in a pie shop not a factory.
'Our role is to maintain and grow our assets and diversify our asset base, so that we can support our people and our lakes long into the future,' Curtis said.
Te Arawa Management commercial manager Cassandra Crowley wouldn't say how much the pie business was purchased for.
Te Arawa Lakes Trust was established in 2007 following a settlement with the Crown to return 14 lakebeds in the Rotorua area to Te Arawa.
Rodewald Consulting receiver Tom Rodewald told Stuff in early October the iconic pie maker would continue to operate as a going concern. He said there had been 'lots of interest' from potential buyers.
Crowley said the trust was looking for opportunities to develop Maketu Pies, including exploring potential partnerships with other businesses and organisations that could benefit the operation, and the local community.
'We're really excited about this development and what it could mean for Maketu Pies, our people and wider Te Arawa,' Crowley said.
'And it goes without saying that we're particularly pleased that New Zealanders and manuhiri (visitors) alike will still be able to get their favourite Maketu Pie at corner shops, supermarkets and service stations across the country.