Brad Gillespie from New World Rototuna in Hamilton won the Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year 2022. Photo: Supplied / Retail Meat New Zealand
Two butchers, from Hamilton and Hawke's Bay, have taken out the top spots at the National Butchery Awards.
Brad Gillespie from New World Rototuna in Hamilton won the Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year title and Rhys Tamanui from Waipawa Butchery in Hawke's Bay was crowned ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year at the awards in Auckland on Thursday.
The pair will receive a trophy and an all-expenses paid trip to the next World Butchers' Challenge in 2024, with the opportunity to represent New Zealand in the ANZCO Foods Young Butchers of New Zealand team.
Competitors put their technical and creative skills to the test in a two-hour cutting test, boning, trimming, slicing and dicing, as they broke down a size 20 chicken, a full pork loin, beef rump, a leg of lamb and a mystery cut of Canadian beef T-Bone into a display of value-added products.
Brad Gillespie said he was stoked with his win.
"The talent was outstanding and to take out the win is just amazing," he said.
"I am always keen to do my business proud, so to finally tick off winning the Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year is incredible."
Rhys Tamanui from Waipawa Butchery in Hawke's Bay was crowned ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year 2022. Photo: Supplied / Retail Meat New Zealand
The ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice category saw apprentices complete a multiple-choice exam and be interviewed by the judges, on top of the cutting test.
First-time entrant and winner Rhys Tamanui said it felt surreal.
"I went into the regional competition thinking I'd give it a go and see what happens, and surprisingly won that and now I've won the national title and couldn't be happier," he said.
At the other end of the spectrum was the Pure South Master Butcher Teams Challenge which saw five teams of three qualified master butchers showcase their finely tuned craft with two hours to break down a whole lamb and a beef hindquarter.
The popularity for the teams' challenge has spread across the Tasman, and this year there was an Australian contingency joining the Kiwi teams.
In a close competition, the Black Gloves from Australia, claimed victory with their polished display.
Team captain Craig Munro said there was always a bit of rivalry between Australia and New Zealand and it was amazing to be welcomed to the competition and bag a win.
