FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

After a busy few weeks on the road, we finished off the regional competitions in Christchurch this past weekend. We were blown away by the talent we saw this year, the judges had a real task at hand. Thanks to every one of you who entered, and a special thanks to our mentors as well as the managers, store owners, family and friends of those who entered for the support they provided.

The regional competitions involved a two-hour cutting test where the competitors were required to break down a size 20 chicken, beef short loin and a whole pork leg into a display partly consisting of compulsory cuts, as well as creative value-added products.

Head Judge Peter Martin says the regionals were at a very high standard, making the judges job very difficult.

"A great last month at the Pact Packaging Young Butcher and ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice regional competitions. A highlight for me has been the awesome support for the apprentices and young butchers, from friends, family, and employers, watching the skills on display. The competition provides a fantastic opportunity for all the entrants to show off their skills and passion for their trade. The standard at the regionals continues to grow, so I look forward to some awesome displays at the Grand Final."

All finalists will now continue on to the Grand Final, being held on Tuesday 3 August at the Vodafone Events Centre in Auckland. This will be the ultimate showcase where they will go head to head using their cutting skills, creativity and knowledge of the trade to take out the titles

 
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The six finalists for 2021 Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year - ordered top left to bottom right as per the list below.

BEST OF THE PACT PACKAGING YOUNG BUTCHERS 

Young butchers from across the country have proved their skills with a sharp start to this year’s Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year competition.
After four regional competitions, we now have our top six contestants who stood out.

Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year finalists:

  • Brad Gillespie – New World Rototuna, Hamilton - Waikato Regional Winner

  • Justin Hinchco – Foodstuff North Island, Hastings - Wellington Regional Winner

  • Cherise Redden - PAK'nSAVE Glen Innes, Auckland – Wildcard winner

  • Corey White – Neat Meat, Auckland - Wildcard winner 

  • Luka Young - PAK'nSAVE Kaitaia, Northland - Upper North Island Regional Winner

  • Samantha Weller – PAK'nSAVE Rangiora, Christchurch – Upper South Island Regional Winner

 
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The six finalists 2021 ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year - ordered top left to bottom right as per the list below.

BEST OF THE ANZCO FOODS BUTCHER APPRENTICES

Butcher apprentices from across the country have proved their skills in this year’s ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year regional competitions.

After five regional competitions, we now have our top six contestants who made the cut.

ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year finalists:  

  • James Beattie  – PAK'nSAVE Te Awamutu - Waikato Regional Winner

  • Nick Johnston – PAK'nSAVE Pukekohe, Auckland - Upper North Island Regional Winner

  • Janine Crothers – PAK'nSAVE Hawera – Lower North Island Regional Winner

  • Maria Pio – PAK'nSAVE Rangiora, Christchurch - Upper South Island Regional Winner

  • Isaac Webster – New World Gardens, Dunedin – Lower South Island Regional Winner

  • Anton Rameka – New World Regent, Whangarei– Wildcard winner

We would like to thank all of the judges, venues, meat suppliers and equipment suppliers who helped make the regional competitions a great success, and to our sponsors for making the competition happen.

Pact Packaging | ANZCO Foods | Beef and Lamb New Zealand | Cabernet Foods | Competenz | Dunninghams | Hellers | NZPork | Tegel | Wilson Hellaby | Victorinox

Good luck to our finalists and we look forward to seeing them in action at the Grand Final, on Tuesday 3 August at the Vodafone Events Centre.

Michelle Hopson