James Thomson, Nui's great-grandfather, sailed from Dunedin to the remote settlement of Okarito, where he became the Harbour Master, overseeing the bustling port during its early days. The family's butchery tradition began soon after—whether established by James himself or his son, George Snr, remains a cherished family mystery. What is certain is that by the 1950s, the Thomson name had become synonymous with quality meats, with the family operating two thriving butcher shops—one in Whataroa and another in Ross.

Nui's father, Brownie, managed the Ross shop alongside his brother, George Jnr, whilst their father George Snr and his son, Harry, ran the Whataroa store. For years, the Thomsons were the trusted providers of fresh meat to the region's close-knit communities until the late 1960s when the shops changed hands.

Now, decades later, Nui and his wife Lynley have rekindled the family tradition in Hari Hari. In reviving this heritage business, they haven't just reopened a butcher shop—they've restored a vital piece of West Coast history, bringing the Thomson family's legendary commitment to much needed quality meats and personalised service back to the heart of the community.

The West Coast's last remaining Traditional Butcher

In an era where supermarket chains and convenience shopping have dramatically transformed New Zealand's food landscape, traditional butchery has become a disappearing craft. Across the West Coast, family-owned butcher shops that once served as community hubs have gradually closed their doors, replaced by pre-packaged meat in refrigerated supermarket aisles.

Thomsons Butchery stands as a proud holdout against this trend—the last establishment on the Coast where customers can still experience the personal service, expert knowledge, and hand-crafted quality that defines traditional butchery. By preserving these time-honored methods, Nui and Lynley aren't just running a business; they're safeguarding an essential piece of West Coast heritage that might otherwise be lost to modern convenience.