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BUTCHER SHOP TOUR

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Bio

Jess Pryles is an Australian born food and cooking personality who is widely known for her expertise in barbecue, meat and smoking techniques. She has established herself as a respected authority on all things meat and grilling with her own unique style and flair. Jess' expertise in the meat world grew from humble beginnings, a regular consumer who enjoyed the occasional steak at home, but frustrated by her own lack of knowledge on the different cuts available, and more importantly, how to cook them.

Pryles spent years educating herself on all things meat-related, which eventually led her to become a professional cook, cookbook author, TV personality, and Meat Science graduate. Jess is the founder of the Hardcore Carnivore brand, which produces a line of meat seasonings and accessories that have gained enormous popularity in the cooking and grilling community worldwide. Her love for barbecue and meat led her to become a founding member of the Australasian Barbecue Alliance, the largest such body in the southern hemisphere.

Bio

Brent has a science degree from the University of Canterbury, majoring in Biology and 13 years’ experience with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). His roles in MPI have included 5 years as a chief Quarantine officer with Biosecurity New Zealand and more recently as a Principal Advisor in stakeholder and industry engagement with their Public Affairs Branch. Brent joined the NZPork team in July 2021 as policy manager, bringing widespread experience in the primary sector to the role, prior to being appointed as NZPork Chief Executive.

BIO

Michael is the Executive Director of the Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand (PIANZ), Egg Producers Federation of New Zealand (EPFNZ) and the NZ Feed Manufacturers Association (NZFMA), he has been in these roles since 2002.

Michael previously worked for other trade associations icnluding the Meat Industry Association, the Retailers Association and the Road Transport Association.

INFO

Industry update from Janine Lee Sales Manager at Pact Group has some important information to share on keeping the circular economy going.

Bio

Dale is a seasoned development chef with a rich background in the culinary arts. His food development journey began in the renowned Experimental Kitchen at The Fat Duck, where he honed his skills in marrying creativity with a deep understanding of food science under the mentorship of Heston Blumenthal.

With a wealth of experience working alongside culinary icons such as Gordon Ramsay and other top chefs on a global scale, Dale has cultivated a profound expertise in food development. His innovative approach to food creation is a fusion of experimentation, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of flavour excellence.

Dale's passion for pushing the boundaries of taste and texture sets him apart as a visionary in the dynamic world of food innovation. With this experience, he opened The Development Kitchen.

Bio

Jason Ryan made a name for himself in Canterbury as one of New Zealand's premium forward coaches.

Jason has coached many years at club level for his Sydenham club, along with the West Coast Heartland team. He has vast national experience coaching for the Black Ferns in 2014, and New Zealand Under 20 team for the three seasons winning a Junior World Cup

Ryan was forwards coach for Canterbury from 2013 to 2016 winning 3 championships

In 2017 Ryan joined Scott Robertson at the Crusaders as the side's Forwards Coach and helped the side to win a record 6 consecutive Super Rugby titles maintaining a win percentage at 90%.He's also coached Fiji for 2 seasons winning a pacific nations cup

In 2022, he was recruited by Ian Foster to coach the All Blacks and played a pivotal role in the team making the Rugby World Cup final

Ryan is currently signed as All Blacks forwards coach until 2027

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Tamai Roff, CEO, at Skills4Work will update us on industry training and apprenticeships

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Bio

Gareth Hughes has been the proud owner of Victory Knives for the past seven years, bringing his passion for quality craftsmanship and the New Zealand meat industry to the forefront. Before that, he spent 13 years in the liquor industry, holding senior roles in General Management and Sales Management, specializing in high-growth strategy businesses.

Gareth's journey began at 15 when he left school with an empty lunchbox to start a mechanics apprenticeship—until he discovered the power of sales. From that moment on, his career took off, shaped by a deep understanding of business growth and market strategy. A keen hunter, fisherman, and carnivore, he feels right at home in the knife business.

At his core, Gareth is a salesperson. Ask him his profession, and the answer is always “sales.” In his session, he’ll break down why selling is one of the most critical strategies for establishing and growing a business. Expect to walk away with practical sales fundamentals, useful tips and tricks, and a few entertaining war stories to apply once you’re back to the grind post-conference.

Bio

Katie has a background in marketing, communications and events across publishing, advertising, and client-side. In her role at Beef + Lamb New Zealand she leads the marketing team for all marketing and communications activity.

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New Zealands National Butchery Team, the Hellers Sharp Blacks are takingpart in the 2025 World Butchers' Challenge, honouring the moment they get to represent their country on the world stage in Paris.

As well as the competition the team are also talking part in the French Study Tour, where they will visit the renowed Charolais and Limosin cattle farms, the impressive Bigard processing plant that processes over 300,000 tons of meat annually, local Parisan butcher shops, the world's largest fresh produce market and the seven story butchery training school.

We'll hear first hand from the team on this amazing experience.

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