The legacy of Wairoa’s main street Osler’s Bakery and Café is in safe hands with fifth-generation family member Sarah Johansen at the helm of the business.

Osler’s bakery and catering business has been in the Osler family since 1910 when it was established by James and Alice Osler. Over the decades it has built a reputation for its quality homemade range, from its famous homemade mince and cheese pies and seafood vol-au-vents to Māori bread and raspberry buns.

The bakery is famous both in and out of Wairoa, with visitors queuing up to try the range of pies, savouries, and sweet foods that fill the front shop cabinets.

Sarah, who is also a sixth-generation Wairoa Johansen, describes owning the iconic bakery and being part of her family history as ‘very cool’.

The daughter of Leslie, who runs the office side of the business, and the late Alan Johansen, Sarah officially took over from her uncle, Charlie Whyte, last September.

Fresh from university she did a stint as the ‘pie girl’ learning the front of house before utilising her degree by working at the Wairoa and Gisborne District Councils in resource and environmental planning.

However, the Osler's calling was never far away, and she returned to the business in April 2023 to learn the production side. “It has been important to understand all aspects of the business and the processes from making the products from scratch through to the tastebud tempters displayed in the front shop. We make and bake upwards of 500 pies a day for local trade and distribution and have over 20 staff so there is always a lot going on. Everything that we sell in the shop is homemade with the exception of the gluten free products.”

Sarah describes Osler’s as a familiar family favourite. “It’s comfortable for us, and while I want to introduce new products, I also want to focus on doing our basics really well and being consistent. I see a future of building on the traditional success but merging that with fresh ideas and a modern take.”

The award-winning bakery is big on supporting the community and also encouraging career pathways and opportunities for staff who currently range in age from 14 through to 70 plus.

While the bakery is the mainstay, the next-door tearoom is also a popular stop for catching up and for its famous cooked breakfasts. Catering is also a growth area with free delivery within the township. Sarah also welcomes people’s feedback and suggestions.

“I love living in Wairoa and being part of Osler’s and part of the community.”

Monday - Friday 4.30am - 4pm
Saturday and public holidays 6am - 2.30pm
Closed on Sundays
Phone 06 838 8299 and check us out on Facebook

20 February 2025

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