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A Franklin burger truck is taking on the rest of the country as it battles for the title of New Zealand’s best burger.
And if you love a decent burger, this competition is for you.
Smashies Burgers is run by husband-and-wife duo Dave and Rachel Tomlinson.
Dave said the business was invited by Burger Nation to enter its national competition after receiving a raft of nominations.
Smashies was initially a hobby when Dave started selling burgers one day a week back in November 2024. Now it’s his full-time job, with Rachel joining the business in September last year, and the couple hiring additional staff.
Their regular spots are in Pukekohe, Waiuku, Patumahoe, and Tuakau from 4pm to 8pm, one night each week.
“I wanted to give people a better option for their fast food. Our fries are cooked in tallow, which not only tastes better but is healthier for you. Our patties are 100 per cent beef, made locally every day. Our buns are made by a local baker, too.”
Keeping prices the same is an ongoing challenge, with the cost of mince rising 30 per cent in the last year, he said.
“Smashies Burgers is not meant to be a one-off treat, but an affordable treat. That’s our goal.”
The burgers feature a secret special sauce with 14 ingredients only known by the couple themselves.
“The secret is in the sauce, our special seasoning, and that the patties are 100 per cent beef.”
Burger Nation 2026 kicked off on February 25 and wraps up on March 29.
It’s a competition where the people whose taste matters most (you) judge the best burgers in the country. Score it out a possible 10 points for taste, appearance and how it makes you feel, and you could win spot prizes and help find the best burgers.
The burgers that receive the most points in each category will be the best burger winners, and the burger that gets the most points overall will win the title (and prizes) of supreme winner.
Cast your votes at www.burgernation.nz. Proof of purchase must be provided to validate your vote.
