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Hillmorton Hot Cross Buns get tick of approval

Elizabeth Thomson
hotcrossbuns
The hot cross buns at the bakery  Elizabeth Thomson

A local bakery has won big at the annual hot cross bun awards.

Michael's Bakery is a little shop tucked away in a side street in Hillmorton.

Inside the shop, however, people from all over are rushing in to try the award-winning Hot Cross Buns to go alongside their award-winning pies. 

Michael Meaclem and his wife Wendy have owned the bakery since 1986, getting up in the early hours of the morning to bake various items for over 33 years.

He said he decided this was the year to enter the competition run by The Baking Industry Association of New Zealand.

"I just thought, 'what the heck,' and gave it a go." 

That decision has led to a trophy sitting proudly on the counter for everyone to see: first place out of around 50 bakeries across New Zealand. 

Gareth Wood, baker and, 'the knowledge to Mike's genius,' said the win is 'huge'.

"The career is topped off now... it's been my cover and profile picture on Facebook for a while."

Michael said the locals are 'very proud of them', and have let them know they are, 'the best hot cross buns they have ever tried'.

The Hot Cross Buns will be available until April 18.