Rangiora and Christchurch butchers win Upper South Island competition
Butchers from across the upper South Island sharpened their knives and cut their way through a two-hour competition in the regional stages of the 2020 Alto Young Butcher and ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year competition.
It was a close call, but after a fierce competition Samantha Weller from PAK’nSAVE Rangiora placed first in the Alto Young Butcher of the Year category and Blair Wright from Peter Timbs Meats in Christchurch claimed first spot in the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year category.
Samantha Weller of PAK'nSAVE Rangiora
Blair Wright of Peter Timbs Meats
This was the third regional competition in a national series to find New Zealand’s top butchers to compete in a Grand Final showdown in November. The upper South Island contestants put their boning, trimming, slicing and dicing skills to the test as they broke down a size 20 chicken, a whole pork leg, and a beef short loin into a display of value-added products.
It was another exciting win for Samantha who is no stranger to the competition. This was her fifth time entering and she says there are so many positives to competing. She says it provides young butchers with the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and profile their careers.
“I believe my final display gave me the edge this year – I worked really hard to make it pop,” says Samantha. “I am really looking forward to the grand final now and have a bunch of new ideas for my next display.”
18-year-old Blair says he is stoked with his win. He is in his third year of his apprenticeship and says his mentor and boss, David Timbs – a member of New Zealand’s butchery team the Hellers Sharp Blacks – has been an amazing support.
“This is my first competition and I am so lucky to have such a skilled mentor,” he says. “I spent a lot of time after work practicing and brainstorming ideas and now that I am through to the grand final I will be focusing on the finer details and getting my display really polished.”
Samantha and Blair will now continue to the Grand Final, on Tuesday 10th November at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland, where they will further showcase their cutting skills, creativity and knowledge of the trade against the best in the country.
Head judge Peter Martin and judge Steve Newsome
Head Judge Peter Martin who is Butchery Manager of Fresh Choice in Cromwell, is a strong advocate of butchery competitions.
“I believe the gains are huge for every entrant who has had to plan, practice and come up with creative ideas in order to compete against their peers today,” he says. “It not only boosts their confidence, but helps to raise the standard in the industry”.
Peter is particularly excited about the new mentorship programme introduced to the competition this year which has helped guide and support entrants giving them the confidence to put their best knife forward on the day.
“The mentorship programme has given entrants a boost and it’s clear to see the standard of the competition has been elevated this year. The high calibre of knife skills and the quality of the final displays made it a very close competition,” he says.
Alongside industry and peer recognition, the winning Alto Young Butcher and ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year receive a coveted trophy and a study tour.
The competition is proudly sponsored by Alto Packaging, ANZCO Foods, Pure South, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Competenz, Dunninghams, Hellers, Tegel and Wilson Hellaby.