Team: THE HELLERS SHARP BLACKS
A huge thank you to our sponsors
Naming Rights Sponsor
Hellers, as the naming rights sponsor of the team, has a rich history of butchery in New Zealand. Founder, Todd Heller played a pivotal role in shaping the industry, and Hellers is immensely proud of what they have achieved. Through five generations of butchers, their passion for supporting the trade remains strong.
When they were approached about securing the naming rights for New Zealand’s national team, they did not hesitate to accept. The partnership felt like a natural fit, as Hellers is deeply passionate about butchery—it’s their bread and butter (whether with a sausage or bacon). They believe that this team, along with the World Butchers' Challenge (WBC), will help elevate the profiles of butchers and butchery across New Zealand. That is the future they would love to see.
What does Hellers love most about being involved with the team? It’s the opportunity to be around a fantastic group of people who are incredibly passionate about representing their country and working hard to perform at their best, with the ultimate goal of winning in Paris 2025. Hellers loves how this journey not only supports the current team but also inspires the next generation of butchers, apprentices, and even seasoned professionals. Their involvement brings great satisfaction as they focus on improving with every opportunity they have together.
Official Flavour Sponsor
Rum and Que have partnered with the Hellers Sharp Blacks as their official flavour sponsor. They believe the teams truly embody exceptional skill, dedication, and passion. Their unwavering commitment to quality and tradition aligns perfectly with Rum and Que’s values, making them the ideal partners to proudly represent the brand.
Rum and Que also love witnessing the teams' passion and teamwork firsthand. The camaraderie and shared dedication to excellence within the teams inspire them, and being part of this journey fosters a genuine sense of community and pride for everyone involved.
Official Knife Sponsor
Victory Knives was drawn to sponsor the Hellers Sharp Blacks because butchery is one of the oldest and most essential trades. For them, partnering with the national butchery team was an easy decision. Working with the elite in the New Zealand butchery trade allows Victory Knives to continually learn and refine their products, gaining valuable insights from professionals. They are also strong advocates for the butchery industry and believe having a national team to aspire to is crucial for the trade.
What Victory Knives loves most about being involved with the Sharp Blacks is seeing the younger generation of butchers come through and understand the potential career pathways. They value the passion, pride, and spirit of the teams as they represent New Zealand on a global stage, striving to be the best in their trade. Above all, it's the people involved that inspire them the most.
Principal Protein Sponsor
Beef + Lamb New Zealand believes that butchers are the rockstars of the industry, playing a vital role in presenting raw products in innovative and appealing ways. They serve as the bridge between the supply chain and consumers.
The Hellers Sharp Blacks represent the pinnacle of the butchery trade, and much like their support for Kiwi Olympians, Beef + Lamb New Zealand recognizes the value of aligning their brand with the best in the field.
What Beef + Lamb New Zealand love most about being involved with the team is that they get to witness firsthand the immense time, effort, and passion the Hellers Sharp Blacks dedicate to representing their country. Being present in Sacramento to see the team secure the bronze medal in 2022 and celebrating their hard-earned success is what makes supporting the team so fulfilling
Principal Protein Sponsor
Gold Sponsor