Gordon's family business is built around bacon and ham which was started by his grandfather. In fact the German pork butchery commenced business on the same day as the First World War was declared; not an auspicious date and some elements of the local Hastings population did their best to show their resentment of all things German.
I remember Gordon not only for the quality of the hams that his firm produces but also for his passion for vintage cars! He is or was a keen rally participant. What I didn't know is that he is also an Old Boy of New Plymouth Boys High School (he finished his time there in 1942), although I shouldn't really be surprised as many of our Old Boys came from Hawkes' Bay and this is a generational trend.
There is an excellent story about the business and the Vogtherrs in the local Hawkes' Bay Today newspaper which can be read online here. Gordon retired from the business in 1987.
And if you are visiting Hastings I do thoroughly recommend picking up a few rashers of Holly Bacon or a ham. Theirs are the best I have tasted in New Zealand.