What started as a backyard passion project has grown into one of Aotearoa’s most exciting new food brands. MeatHeads, a range of all-natural, handmade Kiwi meat rubs, is the brainchild of Reweti Montgomery (Ngāi Takoto, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine), who took ownership of the business in November 2024 and relaunched it from his home in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Driven by a passion for good kai and a desire to feed his whānau better, Reweti quickly saw there was a gap in the market for natural, bold-flavoured rubs without the fillers or additives, made right here in Aotearoa.

Each MeatHead rub is handmade in small batches, and are also gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and free from MSG or nasty additives. Created with everyone in mind,  from your classic weekend BBQ warriors to busy whānau putting dinner together midweek, the range carries cheeky names and big personalities:

• Porktopia – perfect for pork

• Blazin’ Grazin’ – made for beef

• Bok Boken – chicken’s best mate

• Rambo – a flavour hit for lamb

• Game On – ideal for duck and venison

• Texican – brings the heat

• Donkey – for your fish dish

• Spudhead – your veggie booster

Since relaunching, MeatHeads has earned a loyal following and secured shelf space in New World and Pak’nSave - a huge win for a small, whānau-run business. But Reweti is the first to admit it hasn’t been without its challenges: “We’ve had to learn everything - sourcing ingredients, fulfilling orders, navigating the business side - all while juggling family life. But we love it.”

Reweti shares that the goal is to keep growing the range, expand into more retail locations across the motu, and continue connecting with customers through fun, food-loving content. A big part of that is the daily reels featuring Reweti himself and the unofficial MeatHeads mascot, his cheeky dog Whiskey.

“Being part of Whāriki Māori Business Network has been a huge support. It’s more than just business, it’s whanaungatanga. Being in spaces with other Māori business owners who get the hustle, the tikanga, and the long-term vision keeps us grounded and inspired.”

MeatHeads is proudly Māori-owned, proudly Aotearoa-made, and proudly flavour-packed.  

For other Māori entrepreneurs thinking about taking the leap, Reweti’s journey is proof that with a good idea, strong values, and a whole lot of mahi, anything is possible.