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Waihī Beach Butchery has earned national recognition, taking home a silver medal at the 100% New Zealand Bacon and Ham Awards for its Manuka Smoked Sliced Ham.

For owners Nathan and Heidi Bjerring and their team, it was their first time entering the competition, making the achievement even more special.

“We couldn’t believe it,” Bjerring said. The four-person team travelled to the awards night at Auckland’s Viaduct last week, knowing they’d secured a medal but it wasn’t until winners were announced that they discovered it was silver in the Sliced Ham category.

Bjerring said the award reflects the quality of the product they had worked hard to perfect.

“The secret is a good smoked flavour using mānuka wood,” he said. “We also use good-quality New Zealand pork, which makes a big difference.”

Bjerring has worked as a butcher at Waihī Beach Butchery since 2011 and, together with his wife Heidi, has owned the business for six years.

In 2022, they won the Retail Business of the Year in the Katikati and Waihī Beach Community Business Awards.

Although Bjerring had seen a previous employer enjoy success in national competitions, this is the first award he had entered himself. The recognition had been warmly received by customers.

“They’re stoked that they’ve got a quality butcher shop in the village,” Bjerring said. “They love our product; they love the quality.”

The 100% New Zealand Bacon and Ham Awards attracted 233 entries from butcheries and retailers nationwide. Products were judged across eight categories during three days by a panel of experienced butchers and culinary experts. Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to products made using 100% New Zealand-born and raised pork.

Technical judge Todd Treadwell said 2026’s winners demonstrated the balance, flavour and craftsmanship the judges were looking for, highlighting the high standard of New Zealand bacon and ham products.

While his team hadn’t had time to celebrate since the awards night, Bjerring said they remained focused on what they do best.

“We’re always selling top-quality products with good, friendly service,” he said.