OUR HAWKE'S BAY HERITAGE
BJs Bakery was born in the heart of Hawke’s Bay, started by a farmer who, according to current owner James Buckrell, "didn't even know how to cook toast." From those humble beginnings in the back of a restaurant, BJs has grown into a local powerhouse.
James grew up on a Hawke’s Bay farm and trained as an engineer before finding his true calling at the bakery. What started as "falling into it" as a young man has turned into a lifelong passion for crafting the perfect pie. Today, we remain deeply rooted in our community, supplying 80 per cent of the bakeries around the Hawke’s Bay with our signature meatballs.
THE LEGENDARY CRAFT
We don’t just make meatballs; we make some of the best pies in the world. James credits Bakels New Zealand for raising the standards of the entire industry, and we have spent years testing ourselves against the very best. Our trophy cabinet reflects that dedication:
- 1998 Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Award Winner
- 19 Gold Medals
- 32 Awards in total
After retiring from competition in 2010, James’s expertise was recognised by the industry when he was invited to become one of the official judges for the national awards.
INNOVATION AND LOCAL FLAVOURS
At BJs, we believe in honouring the classics while pushing the boundaries of what a pie can be. Whether it’s our standard mince and steak or our more "exotic" fillings like venison and smoked brisket, there is a secret to making every one of them.
We are also proud to be the home of the Crumbed Meatball—a unique Hawke’s Bay discovery that has soared in popularity. We’ve even been known to stir things up with creations like the "Red Rocket" and our top-selling Corned Beef and Mustard Sauce pie, a recipe passed down from James’s grandmother.
A HEART FOR THE COMMUNITY
BJs Bakery is more than just a business; we are part of the New Zealand family. When our neighbors have been in need, we’ve stepped up—from sending pallets of pies to those affected by the Christchurch earthquakes to delivering 6,000 pies in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.
We believe in making positives out of negatives. For us, the bakery is about more than just flour and cheese; it’s about giving back to the community that has supported us for over 20 years.
