How to find New Zealand’s meanest pies

Matt Carkeek’s Kiwiana app has taken off. In his spare time he’s created “Mean Pies” which aims to help Kiwis find the best pies across the country. 

“I've always sort of mucked around with programming and computers and that kind of thing.

“I was actually having a few beers with some mates and then we started talking about how cool it would be if there was a pie review app - if you’re out of town and you can show where's the mean pies near me.”

The app launched in early March and is already a hit with hundreds of registered users. 

Carkeek says the Mean Pies app aims to benefit both pie lovers and businesses. 

“The idea is to basically create a bit of a community for people that like pies to just share their pies and then also create a little bit of buzz for local businesses because you know, times are tough.

"It’s a fun way for people to promote their businesses as well.”

It is user generated, meaning Carkeek has no input on which shops appear on the app.

“People actually have to go to the shop, get a pie and make a pie review and then that pie shop will be on there.”

To review the pie, users take a photo of the whole pie and then a photo two bites in, to show the “structural integrity” and goodness inside. Users can then like and comment on the review.

“There's lots of people that are having good yarns in the comment section of each review.”

Other features include a pie map which users can filter by type of pie, distance, and minimum rating to find exactly what they’re looking for.

Local Christchurch pie businesses are getting behind the idea.

Michael Meaclem, Managing Director of award winning Michael’s Bakery, says he’d be keen to try the app.

“I think it’s a good idea. A pie’s a staple diet in New Zealand and it’s one of the number one takeaways.

“These days people are quite app focused and it’s good when they’re travelling to find out where the best place to eat is.”

Sokleng Ham (Nick) is the managing director of Hoon Hay Kiwi Bakery and Cafe, and he has heard of the app before. 

“Mostly we’ve heard about it from social media like Facebook."

“At the moment a lot of people are online so the app could be a lot of help for them - I think It’s a good idea.”

His bakery was one of the first to be rated in Christchurch, receiving a rating of 8.0/10 on the steak, bacon, and jalapeno pie. 

“We appreciate all our beloved customers who come and support us, we’ll try our best to create more flavours.”