Support for Kaikoura Cheese

It’s been a full on few weeks since the earthquake, and the number of people who have helped us out in so many different ways has truly been humbling.

We’re excited to tell you all that, shaken but not stirred, we’re back producing cheese. On Friday November 25th, after a big clean up and some forward planning, the factory was back up and running. We’re all working hard to secure the long term future of the business – us, our employees and the unseen people around us helping us out. While the earthquake has undoubtedly presented us with a huge challenge, it is one that we have accepted with determination – a determination to not only survive, but to come back better and stronger!

Last week we managed to get a heap of stock out to Auckland and the story of its journey is a perfect example of Kiwi ingenuity and generosity. The cheese was taken on a fishing boat around the coast to Oaro where vehicles have still got access from the south. From there it was taken by truck to Christchurch and then flown up to Auckland where, only a few hours after it left our loving care, it arrived to the delight of Auckland cheese fans. Sounds Air has stepped up to help Kaikoura, running daily flights to and from Blenheim and Chirstchurch – another load of cheese was flown to Blenheim where customer, and friend, Arbour is helping manage the distribution of the cheese to Marlborough chefs and cellar doors. We can’t say how grateful we are to the people who helped make this happen, and others who have supported us with emails, Facebook messages, GiveALittle donations, phone calls and Tweets – individuals, wholesalers, cellar doors, chefs, retailers and others have been amazing and we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Last week the King of Jordan, of all people, was visiting New Zealand and was hosted at a State Banquet at Government House. We’re proud that the King was served our Tenara. The fact that we were chosen to be part of the meal is yet another indication to us that what we are doing is special and further increased our resolve to continue to build the business that we love.

It will clearly be awhile before things are back to normal, and the new normal may be somewhat different to what we thought it would be, but with the ongoing support of the people around us, our determination and the production of our lovely ladies, Kaikoura Cheese will continue to make some of the best cheeses you can find. Thanks everyone for your love and support.

Daniel and Sarah