Mangawhai Meat Shop Wins Gold at New Zealand Sausage Competition

The **Mangawhai Meat Shop** has achieved significant recognition by winning gold at the **Dunninghams Great New Zealand Sausage Competition** held in Auckland on **October 21, 2023**. The shop secured the top awards for their innovative ‘free-range pork and fennel’ and ‘bolognese with parmesan’ sausages, marking their **23rd win** in the competition’s history. Additionally, they received a silver medal for their ‘chicken carbonara’ sausage, further showcasing their culinary talent.

The Dunninghams competition is renowned for highlighting the best sausage producers across New Zealand, attracting over **800 entries** from more than **110 butchery stores** nationwide this year. The event celebrates quality craftsmanship in meat production, and the **Mangawhai Meat Shop** has established itself as a leader in this competitive field.

Recognition and Community Support

Dan Klink, co-owner of the shop and a member of New Zealand’s national butchery team, expressed pride in the recent achievements. “To see our sausages recognised alongside the best in the country is a massive honour,” he stated. Along with his wife, **Ange Klink**, Dan has emphasized that their success stems from a commitment to quality and innovation.

The winning sausages exemplify the shop’s dedication to using premium ingredients, all sourced from local producers. Dan elaborated, “There are no shortcuts taken in the making of a truly great sausage. We only use quality ingredients, nothing but kiwi-grown and sourced products.” This philosophy resonates with their customer base, which has shown enthusiastic support for their award-winning creations.

A Legacy of Awards

Since taking over the family business in **2012**, the Klinks have amassed an impressive collection of **23 awards**. Dan reflected on their journey, saying, “I have to pinch myself sometimes when I reflect on it.” He also highlighted the joy their achievements bring to the community, noting, “What’s even cooler is hearing how excited our customers get about our wins. We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our community; we wouldn’t be here without them.”

Other notable winners at the competition included **Dargaville’s Webster Family Butchery**, which earned a bronze medal for their ‘roast lamb and caramelised onion’ sausage, and **Westmere Butchery** from Auckland, which was awarded the Supreme Award for their ‘beef, parmesan and truffle’ sausage.

As the **Mangawhai Meat Shop** continues to thrive, their latest accolades serve not only as a testament to their hard work but also as a reflection of the vibrant meat industry in New Zealand, where tradition and innovation go hand in hand.