Team: THE HELLERS SHARP BLACKS - APPLICATION Process
The search is now on! Could you be our next next Hellers Sharp Black?
The Hellers Sharp Blacks, our national butchery team compete every three years at the World Butchers’ Challenge (WBC). Our team is made up of the best butchers from around the country, and will represent New Zealand on the world stage. It’s been announced that the 2028 World Butchers’ Challenge will be taking place in Australia.
We are seeking the next Hellers Sharp Blacks team to represent New Zealand on the world stage, to continue to build on our existing wins, our competitive ‘Kiwi’ edge, and our reputation as a humble, yet successful team.
Overview
Selecting the right team members to represent New Zealand for our national butchery team requires very careful consideration of the applicant’s skills, passion, commitment, teamwork, adherence to health and safety practices, character, ability to handle pressure, and previous competition results.
The application and selection process has been designed to be transparent, fair, and performance-led, ensuring we identify the very best butchery talent across the country.
Application Process
Please read the following information carefully to ensure you understand the application form and process. You will be required to submit your application form online - we have prepared a guide to help you complete your application online to ensure you have all the necessary information, videos and photos ready to upload.
If you have any questions on the application form please contact Michelle on 0211548019 or michelle@rmnz.co.nz
Key Dates
6 May: Applications open
9 July: Applications close
July/August: Application Reviews
13 August: Practical Review - Selection committee to assess those applicants taking part in the Pure South Master Butcher Teams Challenge)
September: Practical Reviews - If the selection committee feels the need to see any other shortlisted applicants in person, an in-person practical test will be arranged)
October/November: Team Selection - Final team selection with team roles and captain selected
December: Team announcement - 2028 Hellers Sharp Black Team will be announced
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to qualified butchers across New Zealand. Past and current Sharp Black team members must reapply and will be held to the same selection process and criteria as other applicants.
Applicants should demonstrate:
Strong technical butchery skills and innovation
A commitment to excellence
The ability to work well in a team and perform under pressure
Alignment with Hellers Sharp Blacks team values
Please note your company must be a Retail Meat New Zealand member to apply.
Team Charter, Values and Expectations
A team charter, values, and expectations have been established to give the Hellers Sharp Blacks a clear sense of purpose, align how the team works together, and to set consistent standards for commitment, behaviour and performance. Please review these to know what will be expected as a team member - you will be asked to reference one of the team values in your application form.
Commitment
Being part of the Hellers Sharp Blacks requires a significant commitment beyond day-to-day work.
Successful applicants should be prepared to:
Attend all team trainings and practice sessions
Compete at every available opportunity leading up to the WBC
Dedicate time outside of work to develop skills and refine performance
Be available for any sponsor led promotions
Attend any PR led promotions arranged by RMNZ
Team members will be expected to prioritise preparation in the lead-up to the World Butchers’ Challenge 2028, including working collaboratively as a team to ensure a high-performance standard.
Selection Committee
The process is overseen by an independent Selection Committee made up of respected and highly experienced industry leaders, chaired by Todd Heller. The committee will be responsible for ensuring fair and consistent assessment, objective decision making and integrity of the overall process.
Todd Heller
Past Head Judge of the World Butchers Challenge
Peter Martin, Skills4Work
Head Judge of Domestic Competitions - Young Butcher & Apprentice Butcher competitions
WBC Judge
Head contributor on the current WBC Judging Review
Brian Everton, Cabernet Foods
Judge - Young Butcher & Apprentice Butcher competitions
RMNZ President and long standing board member
Peter Farrelly, ex Wilson Hellaby
Judge - Young Butcher & Apprentice Butcher competitions
Application Review Assessments
All applications will objectively be assessed against set criteria with the following weighting:
1. Professional Experience & Role Scope (25%)
Assesses the depth and relevance of your butchery experience, including current hands-on retail butchery exposure
2. Competition Experience & Readiness (20%)
Evaluates your involvement in butchery competitions, including past participation, achievements, and commitment to competing at a higher level
3. Technical Capability (20%)
Assesses your core butchery skills through video submissions, including technique, accuracy, knife handling, and overall execution
4. Product Innovation & Value-Add (10%)
Measures your ability to create innovative, commercially relevant products with strong presentation and consumer appeal
5. Alignment with Team Values (10%)
Evaluates how well your behaviours and experiences reflect the values of the Hellers Sharp Blacks team
6. Communication & Motivation (5%)
Assesses how clearly you communicate, your passion for butchery, and your motivation to be part of the team
7. Professionalism & Industry Reputation (10%)
Considers your professionalism, work ethic, and reputation within the industry, supported by references
Practical Trials
The selection committee will utilise the Pure South Master Butcher Teams Challenge as one of their primary assessment platforms. While participation is not strictly compulsory, it is strongly recommended. Competing provides applicants with a unique opportunity to demonstrate their skills directly to the selection committee.
During the competition, the selection committee will assess the following:
Technical skill and efficiency
Product presentation and finish
Ability to perform under pressure
Teamwork and communication
While those unable to compete will still be considered, they may be required to undergo separate practical evaluations. Please note that the Teams Challenge offers the most direct and comprehensive path for the committee to validate your readiness for the national squad.
Final Team Selection
Selections will be based on overall performance and the ability to contribute to a balanced, high-performing team. The team of six will be selected, with team roles confirmed and the captain selected.
Please note there will not be a reserve team member in the 2028 team.
