NZ Cheese Awards 2026: Whitestone Cheese Takes Top Honour with Monte Cristo

Following an intensive day of judging where an expert panel meticulously evaluated a record-breaking 267 entries, the evening culminated in the presentation of the coveted top awards, recognising the finest cheeses and cheesemakers across New Zealand’s vibrant industry.

"Tonight was a truly inspiring showcase of the unparalleled quality and innovation within New Zealand's cheesemaking community," said Simon Berry, Chair of the NZSCA. "The commitment to excellence, from our smallest independent producers to our larger operations, continues to elevate New Zealand's reputation on the global stage. Each winner represents hours of dedication, skill, and an unwavering passion for creating truly exceptional cheese."

The evening's most prestigious honour, the Hall’s Group Limited - Champion Commercial cheese, was proudly awarded to Monte Cristo from Whitestone Cheese. Judges lauded this outstanding cheese, remarking: ‘Whitestone have done it again with a younger version of their classic Monte Cristo - a delicate, smooth bodied, clean example that left them salivating’. This grand achievement was complemented by Whitestone Cheese also securing the trophy for New Zealand Original cheese.

Further celebrating the diverse landscape of New Zealand cheesemaking, the Woolworths Champion - Mid-Sized cheese was awarded to Meyer Cheese, for their Vintage Gouda. Described by judges as ‘an immaculately presented cheese - beautifully balanced with toffee caramel notes and an appealing bite’. Meyer also claimed trophies across four other categories’.

In the Puhoi Valley - Champion Boutique cheese category, Craggy Range’s Pecorino took the coveted top spot. The judging panel praised this young Pecorino for its ‘delicate sheep milk flavours, being exceptionally well balanced, its stunning good looks and a cheese you’d definitely want on your cheeseboard when entertaining to impress’.

Among the other outstanding winners celebrated tonight were:

• Milktest - Champion Cheesemaker Trophy: Rinded Cheddar from Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese
• Whitestone Cheese - New Cheese Trophy:Craggy Range Dairy Halloumi from Craggy Range Sheep Dairy
• Fonterra - Original Cheese Trophy: Monte Cristo from Whitestone Cheese
• ECOLAB - Blue Cheese Trophy: Puhoi Matakana Waxed Blue from Puhoi Valley Cheese
• Novonesis - Soft White Rind Cheese Trophy: Flat White from Belle Chevre Creamery
• Cheeselinks - Greek-Style or Danish-Style Cheese Trophy:Feta Sheep from Fellows Field Ltd T/a Origin Earth
• NZSCA - Fresh Italian-Style Cheese Trophy:Appetizer Burrata from Massimo's
• NZSCA - Fresh Unripened Cheese Trophy:Zany Zeus Cream Cheese from Zany Zeus NZ Limited
• Mercer Cheese, Meyer Cheese, and Mahoe Cheese - Dutch-Style Cheese Trophy: Vintage Gouda from Meyer Cheese
• IXOM - European-Style Cheese Trophy: Craggy Range Pecorino from Craggy Range Sheep Dairy
• NZSCA - Farmhouse Cheese Trophy: Smoked Gouda from Meyer Cheese
• Massimo’s - Washed Rind Cheese Trophy: Little River Wildfire from Thorvald Ltd
• FOSS - Aged Flavoured Added Cheese Trophy:Smoked Rinded Cheddar from Barry’s Bay Traditional Cheese
• Big Chill - Fresh Flavoured Added Cheese Trophy:Feta Sheep Smoked from Fellows Field Ltd T/a Origin Earth
• Tetra Pak - Retail Cheddar Cheese Trophy:AFP Mild Cheddar from Fonterra Anchor Food Professionals
• Sealed Air - Bulk Cheddar Cheese Trophy: NZMP Epicure from Fonterra-NZMP Ingredients
• OJI Fibre - Best-in-Class Goat Milk Cheese: Flat White from Belle Chevre Creamery
• Maui Sheep Milk - Best-in-Class Sheep Milk Cheese:Feta Sheep Smoked from Fellows Field Ltd T/a Origin Earth
• Hill Labs - Best-in-Class Buffalo Milk Cheese: Volcano from Over the Moon
• Dominion Salt - Export Cheese Trophy:Smoked Gouda from Meyer Cheese
• Innovative Packaging - Chef’s Choice Trophy:Puhoi Matakana Waxed Blue from Puhoi Valley Cheese
• Curds & Whey - Amateur Cheesemaker Trophy: SPC Sheepishly Blue from St Peter's College

Master Judge, Jason Tarrant, who guided thirty judges and twenty stewards through the rigorous evaluation of 267 New Zealand-made cheeses, commented, " This year’s awards have brought near record entries and the quality of the category winners didn't disappoint. A combination of small, medium and large producers took a spread of the trophies which shows that no matter the scale of the cheesemaker, the passion to craft the best cheese in New Zealand has never been more alive.”

Cheese lovers can find these award-winning cheeses at their local supermarkets, specialty retailers and farmer’s markets around the country. Look for the distinctive New Zealand Cheese Awards trophy, gold, silver, and bronze medals – a guarantee of quality and a delicious way to support local producers. Many of these cheeses also star on menus of our most celebrated restaurants.

The New Zealand Cheese Awards, owned and managed by the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association, are in their 23rd year, continuing their mission to recognise and promote New Zealand's finest cheeses.

Berry extended sincere thanks to the Awards sponsors and the invaluable contributions of the volunteer judges and stewards. "Without their expertise and unwavering support, the New Zealand Cheese Awards simply wouldn't be possible. Their dedication ensures these awards remain the benchmark for excellence in our industry."

A comprehensive list of all gold, silver, and bronze medal winners will be available on the cheeseloversnz.co.nz website from March 20, 2026.

About the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association (NZSCA): The NZSCA is dedicated to promoting and supporting the production of high-quality, New Zealand cheese. Through education, advocacy, and events like the New Zealand Cheese Awards, the Association works to elevate the profile of New Zealand cheesemaking, fostering a vibrant and sustainable industry for specialist cheesemakers across the country.