Meatstock NZ, A cut above the rest

Crowds flocked to Auckland’s first Meatstock festival over the weekend, with revelers treated to more than just a protein fix.  Barbeque smoke couldn’t block out the bright sunshine on both days as barbecuers, butchers, bands and barbers converged on the ASB Showgrounds.

“The festival was pumping," enthused Festival Organiser’s, Simon Luke and Jay Beaumont, who said the feedback was constant and positive all weekend, with each element of the sell out festival drawing big crowds. "Our aim was to cater to all walks of life, offering them variety and something unique in the New Zealand food and music festival scene.” 

“We are also a conscientious festival with not a scrap of meat going to waste this weekend, donating all excess food to NZ’s leading food-rescue charity, NZHarvest.”

36 New Zealand and Australian BBQ teams slogged it out over the entire weekend for the chance to bathe in the glory of taking the top spot in NZ’s largest barbecue competition. Country Boys BBQ, a team who had flown over the ditch from Queensland to take part in the battle were the worthy winners. 

A highlight of the weekend festivities, was the appearance of special guest, BBQ Pitmaster, Moe Cason, who absolutely loved the New Zealand crowds, really engaging with them during his demonstrations and beyond.

Amongst the meat connoisseurs the Butcher Wars were won by Marty Hiki from Good Grocer, Kohimarama in Auckland.The same arena played host to cuts of a different kind as barbers from across New Zealand battled it out to be the king or queen of the cuts with Auckland resident, Vea Fonua from Groom Room Barbers, being crowned the winner of NZ’s first ever Barber Wars.

A barnstorming lineup of bands provided the backdrop to the festival, with headliners, The Delta Riggs playing to an excitable crowd on the Saturday and Sunday rocked out to the eclectic sounds of KNOX, Bullhorn and Cam Scott.



Feature image courtesy of UMM