Mount Brewing Co in Mount Maunganui is marking three decades of operation with a celebration on March 7. Founded in 1996 by Glenn and Virginia Meikle, the brewery is now led by their daughter Briar Harley and her husband Niall Harley. The family business has navigated industry challenges while earning awards for its craft beers.
Mount Brewing Co began in 1996 when Glenn and Virginia Meikle established the brewery in Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty. From its Newton Street location, which includes The Rising Tide bar—rebranded from Brewers Bar in 2016—the operation has become a staple in New Zealand's craft beer scene.
The second generation took over gradually, with Briar Harley and Niall Harley assuming full leadership in 2023. Briar, involved since childhood, recalled her parents' rule for her first party: drinking only Mount Brewing Co beer. "If I was drinking, it had to be beer, and it had to be from Mount Brewing Co," she said, describing arriving with a 1.25-litre flagon of Mermaid's Mirth but consuming only a quarter due to her undeveloped taste.
After university and travels abroad, the couple returned to revitalize the business. "No one was really looking after it at the time. We saw the potential in it," Briar explained. Recent years have been tough for hospitality and brewing, with people drinking less but favoring quality. "I think if you’ve got a story to tell and something that resonates with people, they are willing to still buy beer," she added.
The brewery's Mermaid’s Mirth APA, its top seller, won gold at the Australian International Beer Awards. Multiple medals have followed at that event and New Zealand competitions. Head brewer Pawel Lewandowski, appointed in 2019, has helped elevate the quality. "The beer’s kind of talking for itself," Niall said.
For the 30th anniversary, a limited-edition mixed pack of six special beers will launch, honoring the brewery's history. Brewers Guild of New Zealand executive director Melanie Kees called it a "major achievement" for an independent family-run operation. "Milestones like this show that, despite the economic pressures businesses are facing, there are some great success stories out there."
The industry contributes $3.58 billion to New Zealand's GDP annually, with beer-related taxes at $1.7 billion. Low- and no-alcohol beer consumption has risen 750% since 2019, while high-alcohol options increased 15%. Briar and Niall expressed optimism: "We’re strong moving into the next 30 years," Briar said.