Maketū Pies, a beloved establishment in the community, has officially declared voluntary liquidation after enduring five consecutive years of financial losses. Owned by Te Arawa Management Ltd since 2019, the company faced persistent difficulties in maintaining profitability. Initially acquired during a receivership phase, the pie supplier, which had proudly served the area for roughly four decades and was the town's largest employer, succumbed to mounting operational challenges.

Interim CEO Tina Kilmister-Blue shared that the decision to enter liquidation was indeed a challenging one, reached after thoughtful discussions and extensive consideration of possible alternatives. In her statement, she acknowledged the fierce competition in the fast-moving consumer goods sector which significantly impacted the business's sustainability, stating that since its acquisition, the operation has consistently faced losses.

Kilmister-Blue elaborated on the company's attempts to support the business over the past five years. However, with rising operational costs and tighter profit margins, further investment was no longer feasible. She stressed that this difficult resolution was not taken lightly and emphasized that numerous options had been evaluated but ultimately found untenable.

On Thursday, community leaders received a letter informing them of the liquidation, a move that has stirred concern among residents about the ramifications of the closure. The letter shed light on the various challenges faced by the sector, stressing how vital it was to ensure all creditors were compensated appropriately. The communication concluded with a note of gratitude, acknowledging the contributions of all who had been part of Maketū Pies over the years, highlighting its status as a true Kiwi icon.

The subsidiary company, Te Arawa Management Ltd, is connected to the Te Arawa Lakes Trust. A notice published in the Bay of Plenty Times announced the appointment of liquidators, with January 13 marked as the final date for creditors to submit claims.

Shane Beech, a local figure often referred to as the Mayor of Maketū, expressed the impact of the brand’s closure on the small town. Although he was unsure of the precise number of employees still associated with the company, he recognized it as the leading employer in Maketū, stressing that the times were challenging for the community.

Grant Dally, a councillor for the Maketū-Te Puke ward, echoed the sentiment that the closure would be a significant blow to the community, underscoring the integral role the business played in local life. Nevertheless, he remained hopeful that another enterprise might recognize the potential of the facility, which is strategically located in the heart of Maketū and could be repurposed for food processing or other ventures.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer shared his sympathies with the workers and their families during this tumultuous period. The end of Maketū Pies marks not only the loss of a business but also a piece of the community's cultural heritage, leaving a palpable void in the local landscape.