Artisan Pasta Makers and Wairarapa Farmers Revive Local Durum Wheat Production

Masterton pasta makers Monty and Sons partner with local farmers to produce high quality durum wheat pasta, reducing New Zealand's reliance on Australian grain.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 4, 2026, 7:04 AM EDT

Source: news.com.au

The Precision of Artisan Pasta Manufacturing

At the Monty and Sons facility, the production process involves a delicate balance of humidity and temperature control. Using imported Italian machinery, the team produces a variety of classic shapes, including rigatoni and trumpets. Monty Petrie noted that the most challenging aspect of the operation is the drying phase; even minor fluctuations in atmospheric conditions can lead to hairline cracks, causing the product to lose its structural integrity during cooking. This commitment to technical excellence is designed to match the standards of elite international producers, ensuring that the locally grown wheat is showcased in a final product of world class quality.

From Pest Crisis to Agricultural Innovation

The Wairarapa Grains Collective, a group of four farming families, turned to durum wheat as a strategic response to a major agricultural setback. Following a devastating pea weevil infestation in 2016, which resulted in a four year ban on pea growing in the region, farmers like Mick Williams began searching for viable alternatives. Durum wheat proved to be an ideal fit for the Wairarapa’s climate, which traditionally offers the heat required for the grain to thrive. This year, the collective dedicated five hectares per farm to the crop, yielding a total of 60 to 80 tonnes of specialty flour.

Sustainable Methods and Environmental Stewardship

Despite durum wheat yielding approximately one third less than traditional milling wheat, the growers are committed to the crop due to its sustainability profile. The collective utilizes no-till farming methods to protect soil health and integrates livestock into their business models to maintain biodiversity. While the crop requires a price premium to justify the higher inputs and lower yields, the environmental benefits and the ability to produce a "good quality product" using sound farming methods remain a high priority. This focus on regenerative agriculture aligns with a broader national movement to champion New Zealand's arable sector.