Home is where the heart is, and in the heart of the Mackenzie is the Heartland pie.
To mark Mackenzie hosting this weekend’s Heartland rugby match between South Canterbury and North Otago, the Fairlie Bakehouse has created the Heartland Pie.
Adding to the bakery’s renowned repertoire, the Heartland Pie is a steak and cheese special topped with a Heartland potato cake.
Owner Franz Lieber and staff member Kailesh Goundar said they had been careful with the ingredients they chose, not so much because of supply issues, but simply ‘‘manpower’’.
Mr Lieber said that ‘‘with so many people getting sick’’ it could not be too labour intensive.
They chose Heartland potatoes because — like their rugby players — ‘‘they are very hardy’’, he said.
‘‘Hours and hours’’ of love went into it.
Mr Goundar agreed. ‘‘Yes, because all of the cutting and chopping.’’
Mackenzie Rugby Club president Aaron McCall said Mr Lieber had always been ‘‘a massive supporter’’ of the club.
Mackenzie players in the South Canterbury squad were excited to be playing in front of a home crowd, Mr McCall said.
Mackenzie club captain Mitch Taylor said the town would be busy.
‘‘We’re expecting up to 1000 people.’’
