Your Local Farm

Words by Clarissa van Emmenes

Photography by ilk

Kaimai Eggs is a family-owned business in the Kaimai Ranges where a gang of very happy chickens spend their days roaming freely around the lush rural property and laying the very best eggs.

In the heart of the Kaimai ranges, a family-owned farm is creating the real deal farm-to-table experience with their exceptional eggs.

Otto and Vicki McGirr launched Otto’s Egg Company in 2011. The business not only reflected their values but was rooted in an understanding of shifting consumer preferences. The company is now synonymous with quality and freshness.

In 2020, Otto’s daughter Karlene and her partner Jim returned to New Zealand, after a brief stint overseas, to wait for the borders to open and lend a helping hand on the farm. However, the joy Otto found in chicken farming was contagious, and the couple decided to stay on and help enrich the legacy that the McGirrs built.

Together they launched the Kaimai Eggs retail range in 2021. “We all share the same passion and dedication for providing our community with good quality, healthy food. We saw an opportunity to create the Kaimai brand to tell the story of paddock to plate — to connect these mountains where the chooks are raised to the consumer,” says Jim. “This is about giving people a local food choice. We’re your local farm.”

Otto’s Egg Company sells wholesale to a few popular local eateries, including the much-loved Elizabeth Cafe & Larder in Tauranga, co-owned by George Gibson. George reckons that Otto’s Eggs are second to none: “They are the best eggs we’ve tasted and are so consistent in their quality,” he says. “We try our best to use as many small local businesses as possible so it’s great to have an egg supplier so close. They’re also lovely, friendly people and a pleasure to deal with.”

With decades of experience, Otto knows the difference hands-on care makes when it comes to producing first-class eggs. He ensures he has the this farm.” happiest possible chickens, with plenty of space to roam and explore, and to enjoy the freedom to embark on daily adventures. “If you ask me, ‘what’s the secret to good eggs?’ I’d say, ‘good birds’. You can’t have good eggs without happy, healthy birds,” he says. “The highlight of my day is opening up the shed and letting the chooks run free.”

The team is involved in every step of the production and supply chain for both its ranges. The eggs are packed at the farm, then the team delivers them directly to stores, ensuring freshness and forging a strong local connection.

From managing bird health to the process of egg collection, packing and branding, the family take pride in their attention to detail. “We take ownership of each step of the process because we believe it’s important for people to know exactly where their food comes from. With Kaimai Eggs, it all comes from this farm,” says Jim.

Behind the cartons of Kaimai Eggs is a family business that celebrates its chickens, its connection to the land, and the wider community. And they know all about the power of great, locally grown food.

Pepper & Me’s Cherie Metcalfe is a big fan of Kaimai Eggs and here’s a favourite way she serves them: “Tacos for breakfast? Umm yes! This is a fun alternative to bacon and eggs. Change it up to whatever you have on hand — chorizo or crispy bacon is a great addition.”