Forty-two years after one of New Zealand’s most well-known pies first came out of a Western Bay of Plenty oven, Maketū Pies is about to turn the next page in its story after being sold to one of the country’s largest privately-owned catering businesses.
Montana Group, a specialist food and events management business, has its first official day as the new owner of Maketū Pies today <<Thursday 5 December>>, adding the national treasure to its growing portfolio of operations in the upper North Island.
Maketū Foods Ltd was placed into voluntary solvent liquidation by previous owner, Te Arawa Management Ltd, at the end of November, with liquidators seeking a buyer for the business.
Less than two weeks later, Montana Group is the new proud owner of Maketū Pies, taking on its existing 20-plus employees, and adding to the Group’s 1000-strong team and 30 kitchens across Tāmaki Makaurau and the Waikato.
Representatives from Montana Group met with the Maketū Pies team on the ground this week to make introductions and start the transition process.
Montana Group Chief Operating Officer, Lizzi Pearson, says “We have received the warmest possible welcome, and can’t wait to work alongside everyone in the team to build on their successes and explore new opportunities.
“Our immediate focus is on ensuring a seamless handover, looking after the existing team and maintaining the high standards that Maketū Pies is known for.”
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Jointly owned by Dallas Fisher and Troy Reid, the Montana Group’s origins go as far back as 1965, when the Montana Restaurant was first established in Hamilton’s Victoria Street.
The business started providing catering services in 1988, followed by the provision of corporate hospitality at Hamilton’s Rugby Park in 1996, ultimately culminating in the establishment of what is now the Montana Group.
Today, the business has a $90 million turnover through its diverse range of food, service, and event operations. Its key partnerships include H3 in the Waikato, with FMG Stadium Waikato & Claudelands Events Centre. In Auckland, its premium catering brand, Urban Gourmet, works in some of the city’s most iconic venues including the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Aotea Centre, Viaduct Events Centre, Spark Arena and many more.
The Group is also a key partner to Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, for all food and beverage operations across the Auckland Zoo.
The group has an Education Division supporting The University of Waikato, University of Auckland, Epsom Girls Grammar and Auckland Grammar. Montana Group has been instrumental in the success of the Ka Ora, Ka Ako government funded lunch programme, providing more than 25,000 lunches per day.
The scale of the group comes together to deliver national and international events such as The ASB Classic, Meatstock, Synthony in the Domain 2023, and V8 Supercars in Taupo, and are renowned specialists in large scale bar management and special license event delivery across the regions.