Award-winning baker puts down rolling pin after 40 years - and hands the apron to one of his own

Monday, 27 July 2026

Michael and Wendy Meaclem (right and centre) and Nakesha McDouall, who is the new owner of Michael’s Bakery Hillmorton in Christchurch.

Michael Meaclem was 23 when he bought a Christchurch bakery from a retiring baker. Forty years later, he’s doing the same thing for someone else.

Michael’s Bakery Hillmorton will change hands on August 10, two days after Meaclem marks his 40th anniversary in business.

The new owner is 25-year-old Nakesha McDouall, who has worked her way up from junior baker, then senior, to co-owner under Meaclem’s watch.

“I really wanted one of my own staff to take it on,” he said. “So it’s very comforting knowing it’s in good hands.”

Michael Meaclem has owned and operated Michael's Bakery in Hillmorton, Christchurch for 40 years.

Meaclem and his wife Wendy, the bakery’s retail manager, made the decision at Christmas, while sitting on Muri beach in the Cook Islands.

“We just thought, we’ve had enough. Forty years - it’s time to move on.”

He started in 1986, taking over the bakery in the heart of the share market crash, with interest rates approaching 30%. Over four decades he weathered snowstorms, Covid and everything in between - and picked up accolades along the way.

During the final week of the bakery under Michaels Meaclem’s ownership, there’ll be lots of specials.

In March, his citrus-soaked hot cross buns beat 48 competitors to win the supreme award at Baking New Zealand’s annual hot cross bun contest, with judges unanimously declaring them the best in the country.

“That win, alongside our 40 year anniversary, felt like the right time to close the chapter,” Meaclem said. “We’ve been very dedicated and worked very hard over the years.”

The bakery will celebrate its final week under Meaclem with lots of specials, including their award winning hot cross buns, gourmet sausage rolls and other fan favourites, with as many past staff and customers as possible expected to come through the door.

Michaels Bakery has won numerous awards, from Best Gourmet Pie in 2009 to best Hot Cross bun in

“I’m Irish, so I’ll probably cry at the drop of a hat on our final day.”

It’s been emotional. When the sale went unconditional, Meaclem and his wife sat together wondering why they weren’t happier.

Nakesha McDouall, the baker taking over the award winning bakery.

“We have three kids and our oldest child is 36 - they’ve only ever known mum and dad having a bakery. It’s a big deal for them too.”

Kind messages have poured in since their announcement on Sunday, including from Hillmorton High School where many students were employed from.

But he’s at peace with who is taking over. McDouall grew up helping her grandmother at a small baking stall at the Dunedin Farmers Market, and knew from early on that baking was her calling.

Nakesha McDouall fell in love with baking as a child, following in her grandmother’s footsteps.

After finishing school she moved to Christchurch, worked in a New World bakery, then completed a qualification at Ara Institute of Canterbury.

Her tutor, a former Michael’s employee, pointed her in the direction of the bakery, where she’s been for five years.

Michael Meaclem founded Michael's Bakery with his wife Wendy.

“I’ve learned so much from Michael,” McDouall said. “He’s been so supportive, always pushing me to do more and learn more.”

She described the transition as “perfect”.

“I’ve always wanted to own a bakery, and Michael has joked for a few years about his retirement. So when he was actually serious about it, I jumped on the opportunity.”

She plans to keep all the classics while slowly introducing her own touches. Her partner and co-owner Kyle Meijer, a builder, will help where he can.

As for Meaclem, he and his wife plan to hook up a caravan and spend a couple months exploring the country.

“We want to live life in this beautiful country, visit the places we’ve never been. And have Christmas at home without worrying about baking Christmas cakes.”