Supreme Champ and Sustainability Hero

Outstanding Food Producer Awards 2025 Leefield Estate Supreme Champion, Matangi, is a testament to the fact that world-class quality and sustainable farming can be one and the same.

Judges described the Matangi 30–45 Day Dry Aged Sirloin Steak Cutlet — which was Emerson’s Paddock Champion title for a second consecutive year —as "Tender, juicy, melt-in-the-mouth. Unbelievable flavour. Exquisite..." This excellence is the direct result of their farming system that practices land stewardship working as guardians of their produce from the farm gate to plate.

The Matangi journey began in 2014 when Robert Haselsteiner purchased Matangi Station, joining forces with Jamie and Nicky Gaddum. Their vision culminated in the 2024 opening of the Matangi Boutique Butchery and Showroom in Hastings, establishing full control and transparency over their premium beef and lamb.

Matangi employs a holistic, regenerative approach, viewing the farm as an interconnected ecosystem:

• Virtual Fencing: Matangi utilises innovative technology like HALTER® virtual fencing to keep cattle out of critical source areas (CSAs). This prevents runoff contamination and significantly aids native tree regeneration in areas that are hard to fence conventionally.

• Riparian Restoration: Their commitment to clean water is tangible: they have fenced off all waterways and annually plant 2,000–3,000 native trees for riparian restoration, alongside planting for erosion control and shade.

• Holistic Management: They use physical, biological, and chemical insights to identify and address key limiting factors in soil, plant, and animal health, implementing targeted, sustainable solutions that enhance productivity and environmental stewardship without reliance on irrigation—stock water is sourced from gravity-fed springs or solar-powered pumps.

Matangi leverages smart technology to reduce its footprint and increase efficiency:

• Minimising Emissions: The use of drones to monitor stock, water, and fences significantly reduces the need for motorbikes and vehicles, lowering fuel consumption and labour costs.

• Green Operations: Farm buildings are powered by solar energy, and their product deliveries are certified carbon-neutral via NZ Post.

• Responsible Waste Stream: They prioritize the environment right through to the consumer, utilizing recyclable packaging and favouring paper and wool-based materials.

  The Matangi team believe the welfare of their animals and their people is non-negotiable:

  • Proactive Animal Health: Livestock health is managed proactively through continuous monitoring, soil/herbage testing, and low-stress handling techniques that minimize yard time and maintain consistent social groups.

  • Family & Team: Matangi operates with a transparent structure, providing flexible working arrangements and housing for staff, complemented by regular business events and annual performance reviews.

  • Giving Back: Their commitment extends to their local community, with substantial donations to local schools, sports clubs, charities, and a generous donation of $2.5k worth of products to Nourished for Nil in Hastings to help fight food poverty.

  Matangi embodies the future of premium food production: one that is as responsible to the land and community as it is to the plate. Matangi are not only champions of taste; they are champions of a sustainable future. Learn more about Matangi by visiting their website.