TEAM: ANZCO FOODS YOUNG BUTCHERS OF NEW ZEALAND
Meet the ANZCO Foods Young Butchers of New Zealand Squad
part of NEW ZEALAND’S NATIONAL BUTCHERY TEAM
Brad Gillespie
New World Rototuna when selected - now working at
PAK’nSAVE Te Awamutu - Hamilton
**YOUNG BUTCHER COMPETITOR**
Brad has been in the butchery game for over a decade, and since qualifying has become a familiar face on the competition circuit, taking out a few regional competitions and then winning Runner Up, in the 2019 and 2020 Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year.
Brad was selected into the 2022 ANZCO Foods Young Butchers of New Zealand squad and competed in the World Champion Young Butcher competition in Sacramento, USA. Fuled with the experience from competing on the world stage Brad then went on to win the 2022 Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year.
Brad has also competed at Meatstock, placing 5th in Butcher Wars and beating the Aussies in the 2023 Meatstock Butchers Team Challenge.
More recently, Brad competed in the 2023 Pure South Master Butchers Teams Challenge, where his team placed second. In 2024, Brad’s team returned to finish the job, placing first in the Teams Challenge!
Brad’s 2024 winning streak continued with wining second place at NZ Meatstock Butcher Wars and his team beat the Aussies in the teams’ challenge.
Brad is thrilled to represent New Zealand again, his never-give-up attitude along with years of competing experience will help give him the edge to go up against the world’s best young butchers and bring home the title.
James Smith
The Tattooed Butcher & CHOP Online Meats - Auckland
**YOUNG BUTCHER COMPETITOR**
While serving his apprenticeship, James got involved in the butchery competition scene, competing in his first comp only 6 months into his apprenticeship. From there he used the competitions as a goal to challenge himself while furthering his skills.
Now, 15 years later, James has competed in over 20 competitions and won multiple regional titles and international competitions.
Most notably, James won the 2020 Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year title and then together with his team The Cowboys they took out the 2023 Pure South Master Butcher Teams Challenge title with a perfect score!
James was selected into the Hellers Sharp Blacks - New Zealand’s National Butchery Team but has chosen to be in the squad for the 2025 World Champion Young Butcher competition, a competition he’s had his eye on competing in for many years.
These competitions have allowed James to travel the world and meet some of the best in the business, as he furthers his skills as a butcher.
On this amazing journey, James has also launched The Tattooed Butcher brand, taught demos/classes across the country, created a BBQ rub, Knife Range, butcher blocks, clothing and become a brand ambassador for various national brands.
James will bring his skills, experience and passion for butchery to the squad, serving as a valuable mentor to the other members, and ensuring his fellow squad members put their best knives and skills forward.
Morgan Clark
New World Motueka when selected, now working at Kelly’s Homekill & Butchery - Nelson
**YOUNG BUTCHER COMPETITOR**
Morgan has been in the butchery industry for three years and has competed in two regional competitions and one Grand Final, winning the 2023 ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year title.
Morgan, highly competitive and enthusiastic, is eager to bring her skills and competitive edge to the table.
An extremely keen learner, leading up to the competition Morgan will be soaking up all of the information and experience she can from the talent around her and will bring this all together to put her best display forward on the world stage.
Anton Rameka
New World Regent in Whangarei when selected, now working at New World Mangawhai
**YOUNG BUTCHER COMPETITOR**
With four years in the butchery industry, Anton has already built a strong presence on the competition circuit. He first stepped into the butchery competitions in 2021 and has since competed in four regional events, qualifying for the Grand Final each time. After four years of determination and hard work, Anton finally took home the 2024 ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year title, an achievement that led to his selection into the ANZCO Foods Young Butchers of New Zealand Squad.
Anton also made his mark internationally at the 2023 Toowoomba Meatstock Butcher Wars, a testament to his dedication to honing his skills beyond his home ground.
In 2022, Anton travelled with the New Zealand National Butchery Team to Sacramento as a supporter, an experience that left a lasting impact. Watching The Hellers Sharp Blacks secure 3rd place in the World Butchers’ Challenge inspired Anton to set his sights on representing New Zealand. Four days after returning, he entered and won the Upper North Island Apprentice Competition, propelling him to the Grand Finals.
Being selected for the ANZCO Foods Young Butchers of New Zealand Squad is a dream come true for Anton, marking the beginning of his journey toward becoming a Hellers Sharp Black. On the world stage, he plans to bring precision, skill, and a deep passion for butchery. Proudly donning the New Zealand uniform, he’s eager to showcase his talent at the World Butchers’ Challenge in France.
Anton extends his heartfelt thanks to his partner, Clancy Patch, and mentors Jared McLeod and Kayde Karaka, whose support has been instrumental in his success.
Rhys Tamanui
Waipawa Butchery - Hawke’s Bay
**BUTCHER APPRENTICE COMPETITOR**
Rhys has been involved in the industry for four years, working at Waipawa Butchery, a farm-to-plate boutique butchery. In his first year competing Rhys did better than he could have imagined, taking out first place at the Wellington regional competition and then going on to win the 2022 ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year title.
Driven to maintain his competitive edge, Rhys returned to the competition in 2023, securing second place in the regional event. In 2024, he reclaimed the regional title, reaffirming his position at the top of his game. His outstanding performance at the Grand Final demonstrated that success isn't about winning every time but staying persistent and honing your skills. Rhys's passion for competing continues to fuel his growth, building the confidence he'll need for success on the world stage.
Competing and learning are some of his favourite parts of butchery, and he’s very grateful for the support of his bosses and co-workers at Waipawa Butchery to help make this possible.
Rhys brings a fresh, youthful perspective, favouring creativity in boutique butchery and pushing boundaries with new ideas.
Being a part of this squad means the world to Rhys, it was a goal he set out to achieve at the start of his butchery career and to do it so early on is an incredible achievement!
