About Us
Our Farm
In the South Island of New Zealand, mid way down the East Coast where the mighty Waitaki River meets the great Pacific Ocean, just 15 minutes north of Oamaru and 5 minutes from the 45th Parallel, you will find a very special place, Houtimata Farm – the birth place of Waitaki Bacon & Ham.
We’re Gus and Sue Morton, and with over 40 years experience in the pork farming industry, we’re proud to present our award-winning pork to the people of New Zealand.
At Waitaki Bacon & Ham, you’ll have the benefit of dealing directly with the farmers. Our pork is 100% farmed and grown in Waitaki. We’re 100% local and 100% traceable.
Our pork cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world.
Come and discover a Taste of Waitaki
Our Story
This all began back in 2006, when we were asked to assist with a fundraising venture to support a local schoolboy rugby team in getting to Europe. We produced 1.75 tonnes of bacon, which was purchased from all over New Zealand. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the same question kept coming up – “when can I get more?”. This inspired us to take a leap of faith and at the Christchurch Food Show in March 2007, we officially launched the name, ‘Waitaki Bacon & Ham’ to the public. Since then, we have been growing “the good stuff” – great bacon, delicious pork, and hams that have now been recognised as New Zealand’s best. And most importantly, working hard to further enhance the quality of the meat and maintain the key ingredient – great taste.
Our Pigs
Our pigs are Large White x Landrace cross. We feel privileged to farm such fantastic animals, and are proud to say that there are no hormones or growth promoters used in our process. Waitaki Bacon & Ham strives for quality in all areas of production, particularly:
Genetics - we strive to produce the best and most consistent carcass possible.
Nutrition - there are seven different diets from birth to ham. As humans, our diets change over time, and we treat our incredible animals no differently to ensure get the best of the best.
Environment - we work alongside Mud Fish to promote and educate around eco-friendly farming.
Staff - our engine room – highly skilled, passionate and the love they have for our pigs is unmeasurable. Individually selected to work for us , we feel very proud of our team – Raphael our Manager, Ariel, Bong, Romeo, Peter, Gus and Sue. Highly skilled and dedicated, they are the backbone of all we do. Their expertise and skill grow the pigs that make the ham you all love to devour.
Transport - from farm to abattoir, our pigs are transported by a firm who consistently meet transportation requirements.
Eating - we are passionate about providing an eating experience that our customers will look forward to time and time again. After working at farmers markets in Christchurch, Timaru, Queenstown, Wanaka, Dunedin, Balclutha, and Oamaru and attending many food shows, we have taken on board all the feedback we received, enabling us to perfect what we believe to be as the best darn pork we could ever possibly grow in New Zealand.
Our delivery chiller truck carrying all the “hamilicious” goodness.
One Farm
One Philosophy
One Unique Taste
