Perfectly Formed Angus Beef from Hawke's Bay

Jamie and Nicky Gaddum run things a little differently on Matangi Farm. They reveal what makes Matangi beef the best in New Zealand. This story was first posted on Stuff.co.nz.

This story was first published on Stuff.

Georgia-May Gilbertson
Stuff.co.nz

Nestled in the heart of Hawke’s Bay’s Tukituki Valley is a New Zealand farm like no other.

Matangi Farm's green pastures are where some of the world’s best Angus beef cattle roam. The small herd is reared sustainably and sensitively to produce “world-class beef”.

The family-owned boutique cattle station behind Havelock North's Te Mata Peak focuses solely on quality, making a careful genetic selection of their cattle.

While most of New Zealand’s prime beef goes overseas, Matangi’s is born and bred specifically for consumers here, farm manager Jamie Gaddum said.

The 480-hectare farm is owned by Europe-based investment banker, Robert Haselsteiner and his wife Inge. Gaddum and his wife Nicky run the farm and manage the business, living in a farm cottage with their two sons Max and Oscar.

Jamie and Nicky Gaddum run things a little differently on Matangi Farm.

Jamie and Nicky Gaddum run things a little differently on Matangi Farm. Photo by: JOHN COWPLAND/STUFF

“We crossed paths with Robert and Inge in 2014, and he bought the place in 2015. He's very entrepreneurial and has been great. They've built sheds, built the house we live in. They’ve been renovating, fencing, planting and watering. They’ve put a lot into the local economy.

Gaddum said the beef was farmed for three years in a closed herd, before being perfectly aged for three weeks , producing “tender and buttery meat”, according to those who had tasted it.

The farm also focussed on reducing the stress levels in the cattle during their time on the farm. So they avoid loud noises and give the cattle minimal time in the yards. Stress can increase the pH levels in the meat, affecting its quality, Gaddum said.

A small herd of cattle is farmed on the 480 hectare farm out the back of Havelock North.

A small herd of cattle is farmed on the 480 hectare farm out the back of Havelock North. Photo by: JOHN COWPLAND/STUFF

Nicky, whose previous background was in neuropsychology, decided to come on board as the business client manager and has been in her role only a few months.

“We really want to give our clients a really special experience. If someone wants a special type of cut, our butcher (based in Onekawa) will do it for them,” she said.

Not only were the pair focusing on the best quality of meat possible, but were also working to make the farm environmentally sustainable. The Gaddums and Haselsteiners have planted between 2000 and 3000 native trees every year and fencedoff gullies and streams.

Matangi Farms Angus beef can be found at restaurants from Waiheke Island down to Queenstown.

Matangi Farms Angus beef can be found at restaurants from Waiheke Island down to Queenstown.

“If you look after the land, that’s going to come through in the quality of the meat at the same time. We really want to do our best by this property,” Nicky said.

Matangi Angus beef can be purchased from the website or found at the following restaurants:

Hawke’s Bay

Central Fire Station

Black Barn Bistro

Elephant Hill

Giant Public House

Auckland

Amano

The Lodge Bar, Commercial Bay

Hugo’s Bistro

Bar Céleste

Rosie Cafe