event: ANZCO FOODS BUTCHER APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR
On their way to the Grand Final
After a busy few weeks on the road, we wrapped up the regional competitions in Wellington and were blown away by the talent we saw! Thank you to everyone who entered, and a special thanks to our mentors, as well as the managers, store owners, family, and friends for their support.
We would also like to thank all the judges, venues, meat suppliers, and equipment suppliers who helped make the regional competitions a success.
All finalists will now continue on to the Grand Final at the National Butchery Awards (NBA), being held Thursday 13 August at the Eventfinda Stadium, North Shore, Auckland.
This will be the ultimate showcase, where competitors will go head-to-head, demonstrating their cutting skills, creativity, and knowledge of the trade to win the titles.
The six finalists for 2026 ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year - ordered top left to bottom right as per the list next to the image.
ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year finalists:
Asif Azam from New World Gardens - Lower South Island Regional Winner
Ashley Maguire from Peter Timbs Meats - Upper South Island Regional Winner
Cody Burbery from PAK'nSAVE Te Awamutu - Waikato Regional Winner
Mya Wilson-Hiraka from New World Mangawhai - Upper North Island Regional Winner
Garret Smith from New World Feilding - Lower North Island Regional Winner
Tsinjin Tahau from New World Marton - Wildcard Winner
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