The Goldpine Post – MARCH 2022

Welcome to our March edition of The Goldpine Post. This month, we focus on hops and how the unique aromas and flavours of New Zealand grown hops are highly sought after by brewers worldwide.

We visited rural Hawke’s Bay to find a hidden gem based in Maraekakaho. GodsOwn Brewery, owned by Godfrey Quemeneur and Rachel Downes, offers great-tasting beers, wood-fired pizzas, a hop garden and a great atmosphere.

New Zealand hops are highly popular and it is evident after speaking with NZ Hops Ltd CEO, Craig Orr, and the founders of Auckland and Wellington-based breweries, Epic Brewing Company and Garage Project.

Taupō is known for its freshwater lake but it’s also known for the freshest local beer. James Cooper of Lakeman Brewing shows us his brewery located on his sheep and beef farm just moments from town.

Sarah O'Neill and James McCone from Canterbury, along with Jeremy McKenzie and Kieran Hickman from Marlborough, are Goldpine’s sponsored GODZone Adventure Race team for 2022. We visited them to talk about their well-being before and during the race.

Kenney Crockett and his team were constructing an eight-wire fence when we last visited. They were working on a project for the Hauraki District Council, just a few kilometres outside of Paeroa.

Based in the Motueka Valley is Freestyle Hops, managed by Sean Riley. We got an informative insight into how the business started, his interest in hops and what makes them a successful operation.

Our State of the Industry piece for this month is on the hops sector. We get insight from researchers and growers within the industry and share with you qualitative information from an economic standpoint.