10 Best Pie Fundraisers in New Zealand 2026
Pie fundraisers are New Zealand's most popular school fundraising method, and for good reason. With profit margins of 35-45% and the universal appeal of delicious pies, schools across NZ consistently raise $1,500-$5,000 from pie fundraisers. But with multiple suppliers to choose from, how do you pick the best pie fundraiser for your school?
This comprehensive guide compares the 10 best pie fundraisers in New Zealand for 2026, covering everything from profit margins to regional availability, delivery options, and what makes each supplier unique. Whether you're in Auckland or Invercargill, running your first pie fundraiser or your tenth, you'll find the perfect supplier here.
Why Pie Fundraisers Dominate NZ School Fundraising
Before diving into specific suppliers, let's understand why pie fundraisers work so well:
Universal Appeal: Pies are a Kiwi staple. Nearly every family buys pies regularly, making them an easy sell. You're not asking supporters to try something new - you're offering a product they already love and purchase anyway.
Frozen Convenience: All major NZ pie fundraisers offer frozen pies, which means no spoilage concerns, flexible timing, and supporters can stock up. Families appreciate being able to store pies in the freezer and use them when needed.
Strong Profit Margins: Most pie suppliers offer 35-45% profit margins, with some reaching 50% for premium products. This means if you sell a $10 pie, your school keeps $3.50-$5.00 as profit.
Proven Track Record: Pie fundraisers have been successfully raising funds for NZ schools for decades. There's no guesswork - you know it works because thousands of schools have proven results.
Easy Execution: Modern pie fundraisers use online ordering platforms like Raised, eliminating paperwork and making the entire process simple for both coordinators and supporters.
The 10 Best Pie Fundraisers in New Zealand 2026
1. Oxford Pies - The North Island Favourite
Region: Primarily North Island, but delivers nationwide Profit Margin: 35-40% Expected Revenue: $1,500-$5,000 Best For: Medium to large schools wanting variety
Oxford Pies is the undisputed leader in North Island school fundraising. Their extensive range includes over 20 varieties of family pies, individual pies, and even lamingtons. Schools love Oxford because they consistently deliver quality products, reliable service, and strong support for fundraising campaigns.
What Makes Oxford Special:
- Widest variety of any NZ pie supplier
- Established relationships with thousands of schools
- Reliable delivery and fulfillment
- Online ordering options available
- Family pies perfect for stocking freezers
Profit Example: Sell 400 pies at $10 each = $4,000 revenue. At 38% margin = $1,520 profit for your school.
How to Get Started: Visit Oxford Pies fundraising page for full details and contact information.
2. Marlow Pies - South Island's Household Name
Region: South Island (Christchurch-based) Profit Margin: 35-42% Expected Revenue: $1,000-$3,000 Best For: South Island schools leveraging local brand recognition
Marlow Pies dominates South Island school fundraising because they're a household name below the divide. When you mention Marlow Pies to Canterbury or Otago families, there's instant recognition and trust. This brand loyalty translates directly to easier sales and higher participation rates.
What Makes Marlow Special:
- Trusted South Island family brand
- Decades of fundraising experience
- Blast-frozen family pies
- Strong local community connection
- Affordable wholesale pricing
Regional Advantage: South Island schools report 10-15% higher participation when using Marlow versus non-regional suppliers, simply due to brand recognition.
How to Get Started: Visit Marlow Pies fundraising page for full details.
3. Dad's Pies - Premium Gourmet Option
Region: Nationwide delivery Profit Margin: 40-50% Expected Revenue: $2,000-$6,000 Best For: Affluent communities, foodie parents
Dad's Pies offers premium gourmet pies that command higher prices and margins. These aren't your standard mince and cheese - think wild venison, lamb shank, and premium steak varieties. Schools in more affluent areas find Dad's Pies resonate well with parents who appreciate quality ingredients and artisan food.
What Makes Dad's Special:
- Premium quality ingredients
- Gourmet flavours that stand out
- Higher price points justified by quality
- Excellent profit margins (40-50%)
- Appeals to foodie demographics
Profit Example: Sell 300 premium pies at $15 each = $4,500 revenue. At 45% margin = $2,025 profit.
Best Strategy: Position Dad's Pies as a premium option, emphasizing quality over quantity. Works particularly well in Remuera, Fendalton, and similar suburbs.
How to Get Started: Visit Dad's Pies fundraising page for full details.
4. Doughboys Bakery - Online-Integrated Solution
Region: Lower North Island (Wellington region) Profit Margin: 38-45% Expected Revenue: $1,200-$3,500 Best For: Schools wanting seamless online ordering
Doughboys Bakery has embraced modern fundraising technology by integrating directly with the Raised platform. This means setting up your fundraiser, collecting orders, and tracking progress all happens in one seamless system. For tech-savvy schools or those wanting to minimize administration, Doughboys offers the smoothest experience.
What Makes Doughboys Special:
- Direct integration with Raised platform
- Online ordering from day one
- Family pies plus seasonal hot cross buns
- Generous profit margins
- Strong Wellington-region presence
Technology Advantage: Schools using Doughboys with Raised report 25% less administration time compared to paper-based systems.
How to Get Started: Click "Start This Fundraiser" on the Doughboys Bakery page to launch through Raised.
5. Bakehouse on Bond - Wellington Artisan Option
Region: Wellington and lower North Island Profit Margin: 35-40% Expected Revenue: $800-$2,000 Best For: Wellington schools, artisan bread fans
Bakehouse on Bond brings artisan quality to school fundraising. Known for their exceptional sourdough and artisan breads, they also offer pie fundraising programs. Wellington schools particularly appreciate supporting a local business with strong community ties.
What Makes Bakehouse Special:
- Local Wellington business
- Artisan quality products
- Strong community reputation
- Bread and pie options
- Supports local economy message
Community Angle: Wellington parents respond well to the "support local business" message, making this an easy sell in the capital.
How to Get Started: Visit Bakehouse on Bond fundraising page for details.
6. Tasty Foods - Variety Beyond Pies
Region: Nationwide Profit Margin: 35-42% Expected Revenue: $1,500-$4,000 Best For: Schools wanting product variety
Tasty Foods doesn't just offer pies - they provide a full range of frozen food products perfect for fundraising. This means you can offer supporters pies, sausage rolls, quiches, and other frozen meals all in one campaign. For schools that have run multiple pie fundraisers, adding variety helps combat fundraiser fatigue.
What Makes Tasty Foods Special:
- Extensive product range
- Mix-and-match options
- Reduces fundraiser fatigue
- Frozen convenience
- Family-friendly pricing
Variety Strategy: Offering 5-10 products instead of just pies can increase average order size by 30-40%.
How to Get Started: Visit Tasty Foods fundraising page for full product range.
7. Baker's Delight - National Chain Recognition
Region: Nationwide (franchise model) Profit Margin: 30-35% Expected Revenue: $1,000-$2,500 Best For: Schools near Baker's Delight stores
Baker's Delight franchises across New Zealand often support local school fundraisers. While margins are slightly lower than dedicated fundraising suppliers, the brand recognition and local store connection can drive strong participation.
What Makes Baker's Delight Special:
- National brand recognition
- Local franchise community connection
- Fresh-baked option (not frozen)
- Convenient pickup locations
- Known quality
Local Approach: Best results come from partnering with your nearest franchise and emphasizing the local business partnership.
8. Hell Pizza Fundraising - Pizza Alternative
Region: Nationwide (where Hell Pizza stores exist) Profit Margin: 25-30% Expected Revenue: $800-$2,000 Best For: Schools wanting pizza instead of pies
Technically not pies, but Hell Pizza fundraising deserves mention as New Zealand's most successful pizza fundraising program. If your school has run multiple pie fundraisers and wants something different, Hell Pizza offers a fun alternative that appeals to kids and parents alike.
What Makes Hell Pizza Special:
- Different from standard pie fundraisers
- Strong brand appeal to kids
- Nationwide presence
- Fun, irreverent branding
- Event-friendly (can do pickup days)
When to Use: Perfect for schools that have run 2-3 pie fundraisers in recent years and need something fresh.
9. Farmlands Fundraising - Rural Community Focus
Region: Nationwide, particularly strong in rural areas Profit Margin: 35-40% Expected Revenue: $1,000-$3,000 Best For: Rural schools, agricultural communities
Farmlands offers fundraising programs including pies and other products specifically tailored to rural New Zealand communities. Their strong presence in farming communities and trusted reputation makes them ideal for rural schools.
What Makes Farmlands Special:
- Trusted in agricultural communities
- Rural community focus
- Co-operative values
- Multiple product options
- Strong rural network
Rural Advantage: Rural schools often achieve higher participation with Farmlands due to existing community relationships.
10. Local Bakeries - Community Partnership Approach
Region: Depends on your location Profit Margin: Negotiable (30-40% typical) Expected Revenue: $500-$2,000 Best For: Small schools, strong community connections
Don't overlook your local bakery for fundraising partnerships. Many community bakeries are willing to create custom fundraising programs for local schools. While you lose some of the convenience of national suppliers, you gain authentic community connection and a compelling "support local" message.
What Makes Local Bakeries Special:
- Genuine community partnership
- Flexible arrangements
- "Support local" appeal
- Potential for fresh (not frozen) options
- Strengthens community ties
How to Approach: Visit your local bakery, explain your fundraising goals, and ask if they'd create a custom program. Many are surprisingly willing to help.
How to Choose the Best Pie Fundraiser for Your School
With 10 options, how do you decide? Consider these factors:
1. Your Location
North Island Schools: Oxford Pies and Doughboys are your strongest options. Dad's Pies works well in affluent areas.
South Island Schools: Marlow Pies is the clear leader due to brand recognition. Oxford also delivers south if you want variety.
Wellington Region: Doughboys, Bakehouse on Bond, or Tasty Foods offer local connections.
Rural Schools: Farmlands or local bakery partnerships often work best.
2. Your Community Demographics
Affluent Communities: Dad's Pies premium products command higher prices and margins.
Middle-Income Areas: Oxford and Marlow offer the best balance of quality, price, and variety.
Price-Sensitive Communities: Focus on family-size pies at affordable price points.
Foodie Communities: Dad's Pies or Bakehouse on Bond artisan options.
3. Your Fundraising History
First Pie Fundraiser: Stick with established names - Oxford or Marlow depending on island.
Multiple Previous Pie Fundraisers: Consider variety (Tasty Foods) or premium options (Dad's Pies) to refresh your offering.
Fundraiser Fatigue: Try Hell Pizza or local bakery partnership for something completely different.
4. Technology Preferences
Want Online Ordering: Doughboys (integrated with Raised) or any supplier paired with Raised platform.
Happy with Paper Forms: Any supplier works, though online consistently delivers 20-30% better results.
Minimal Administration: Choose suppliers with online ordering and strong fulfillment support.
5. Order Volume
Small Schools (<100 students): Local bakeries or suppliers with low minimums work best.
Medium Schools (100-300): All suppliers work well at this volume.
Large Schools (300+): Oxford, Marlow, or Tasty Foods can handle large volume orders.
Maximizing Results from Your Pie Fundraiser
Regardless of which supplier you choose, these strategies boost results:
1. Use Online Ordering
Schools using online platforms like Raised consistently raise 30-50% more than paper-only campaigns. Online ordering:
- Reaches grandparents and extended family nationwide
- Eliminates lost order forms
- Tracks everything automatically
- Makes payment easier
- Reduces administration by 70%
2. Time It Right
Best months for pie fundraisers:
- May-July (Term 2): Families in routine, winter comfort food appeal
- August-September (Term 3): Another strong window
- Avoid: December (holiday expenses), January (school holidays), April (Easter expenses)
3. Promote Multiple Times
Don't just announce once and hope for the best:
- Week 1: Launch announcement with enthusiasm
- Week 2: Progress update ("We're 40% to our goal!")
- Week 3: Final push reminder
- Ongoing: Share individual success stories
4. Show the Why
Instead of "We're fundraising for school", be specific:
- "Raising $3,000 for new sports equipment"
- "Funding our Year 6 camp"
- "New library books for junior classes"
Specific goals generate 40-60% more support than vague fundraising.
5. Offer Family Pack Deals
Bundle multiple pies together:
- Family Pack (5 pies) for $45 instead of $50
- Freezer Pack (10 pies) for $85 instead of $100
Bundling increases average order value significantly.
6. Create Competition
Friendly competition drives participation:
- Prizes for top-selling classes
- Recognition for students who sell 10+ pies
- Classroom thermometers showing progress
- Daily leaderboard updates
Competition can boost participation by 20-30%.
Common Pie Fundraiser Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' experiences:
Mistake #1: Not Ordering Early Enough
Popular suppliers book out during peak fundraising season (May-September). Order at least 6-8 weeks before you want to run your fundraiser.
Mistake #2: Skipping Online Ordering
Paper-only fundraisers consistently underperform. Online ordering isn't optional anymore - it's essential for maximizing results.
Mistake #3: Poor Communication
Send multiple reminders. Studies show supporters need 3-5 touchpoints before taking action.
Mistake #4: No Clear Goal
"General fundraising" doesn't motivate like "New playground equipment". Be specific about what you're funding.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Regional Preferences
South Island schools using Marlow Pies see better results than non-regional suppliers. Use local brands when possible.
Profit Projections by School Size
Here's what schools typically raise:
Small Schools (50-100 students):
- 250-400 pies sold
- Average profit: $700-$1,500
Medium Schools (100-300 students):
- 500-1,200 pies sold
- Average profit: $1,500-$3,500
Large Schools (300+ students):
- 1,000-2,500 pies sold
- Average profit: $3,000-$7,000
These figures assume 40% profit margin and average participation rates. Schools using online ordering typically achieve the higher end of these ranges.
The Bottom Line: Which Pie Fundraiser Should You Choose?
For most North Island schools: Oxford Pies offers the best combination of variety, reliability, and results.
For most South Island schools: Marlow Pies leverages regional brand recognition for easier sales.
For affluent communities: Dad's Pies premium products command higher prices and better margins.
For maximum convenience: Doughboys with Raised integration provides the smoothest online experience.
For variety to combat fatigue: Tasty Foods offers multiple products beyond just pies.
For authentic local connection: Partner with your local bakery for genuine community engagement.
Getting Started with Your Pie Fundraiser
Ready to launch your pie fundraiser? Follow these steps:
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Choose Your Supplier: Use this guide to select the best supplier for your school's needs and location.
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Set Up Online Ordering: Visit Raised to create your online fundraising campaign. Free for bank transfers.
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Contact Your Supplier: Reach out to confirm minimums, timeline, and pricing. Most suppliers need 4-6 weeks lead time.
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Plan Your Timeline: Allow 2-3 weeks for order collection, then 1-2 weeks for delivery and distribution.
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Launch with Energy: Announce enthusiastically, communicate regularly, and celebrate milestones.
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Thank Everyone: After completion, thank supporters and show what their purchases achieved.
Explore More Fundraising Options
Looking for alternatives to pie fundraisers?
- Fundraising Pies NZ Complete Guide - Detailed comparison of all pie suppliers
- Chocolate Fundraiser NZ - Sweet alternative fundraising
- Browse All Fundraising Ideas - 100+ options for NZ schools
- How to Fundraise NZ - Complete step-by-step guide
Pie fundraisers remain New Zealand's most popular school fundraising method because they work. Choose the right supplier for your community, use online ordering to maximize reach, and follow proven strategies for best results. Your school will soon be celebrating successful fundraising and the positive impact on students.