NEW ZEALAND’S BEST BUTCHERS CELEBRATED AT NATIONAL AWARDS
Anton Rameka and Alex Pellow
Auckland’s Eventfinda Stadium was buzzing today as the country’s finest butchers were recognised at the highly anticipated National Butchery Awards. The high-stakes event saw competitors from across New Zealand put their skills to the test, with the top honours awarded to the nation’s standout butchery talent.
Anton Rameka from New World Mangawhai was named the Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year and Alex Pellow from New World, Mt. Maunganui won the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice title.
Anton says he is over the moon about winning the Young Butcher title this year, especially after taking out the Apprentice Butcher title last year.
“I’m absolutely stoked to have these back-to-back wins. I think what set me apart is what I do behind the bench – my organisation, tidiness, a strong range of creative products, and an all-round solid performance.”
This year’s finalists earned their place at the Grand Final following five regional heats held across the country in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Waikato and Auckland throughout June and July. A total of 15 Young Butchers and 32 Butcher Apprentices took part, with six finalists in each category advancing to the national showdown, including one wildcard entrant.
With blades sharpened and saws ready, competitors faced off in an intense two-hour cutting challenge, watched by a lively crowd of industry colleagues, friends, and supporters. The competition tested both technical precision and creative flair, as entrants worked under pressure in front of eight expert judges.
Head Judge Peter Martin, Butchery Training Advisor at Skills4Work says: “It was a fantastic standard, it was a really skillful bunch of finalists this year. Each year they’re improving and being more creative. Some of the products this year – particularly the pastry products – were just outstanding.
“What set the winners apart this year was their composure to execute their plan under pressure. Anton Rameka (Young Butcher) and Alex Pellow (Butcher Apprentice) were worthy winners.”
Competitors in the Pact Packaging Young Butcher and ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice categories were tasked with breaking down a beef short loin, whole pork leg, lamb shoulder, and two chickens, along with a lamb leg as the mystery cut. Their task was to transform these into a visually compelling display of value-added products in a two-hour time frame. Apprentice butchers also completed a written theory test and a formal interview with the judging panel.
The ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice category continues to be a valuable platform for emerging talent to showcase their growing skills and confidence in the trade.
It’s the second time Alex Pellow has made it to the grand final. “It feels pretty surreal to win,” he says. “I’ve had amazing support and have been practicing really hard which has paid off – I’m stoked.”
In a display of expertise and camaraderie, the Pure South Master Butcher Teams Challenge brought together seasoned professionals to test their speed, technique and teamwork. Four teams of three qualified master butchers each had two hours to break down a full lamb and a beef hindquarter, producing a striking display that combined craftsmanship and creativity.
This year also saw a touch of Trans-Tasman rivalry, with Australia joining the fray and entering a team called The Black Gloves, raising the stakes and adding a competitive international edge to the contest.
After a closely fought competition two teams emerged victorious, with a tie between the T.A PAK’nSAVE Stickmen from Te Awamutu and the Black Gloves from Australia. The Foodie Fighters were voted the People’s Choice winner.
Head judge for the teams’ challenge, Riki Kerekere says: “Overall, this is the highest standard I’ve seen delivered. Normally in these competitions, you might see one team, maybe two that stand out – every team stood out today. It was great having an Aussie team competing, we know what the Trans-Tasman rivalry can do to lift performance, and we saw that today.”
“After two hours of cutting, it was so tight that it wasn’t until the judges had added up the scores, and double-checked them that it became clear we had two very deserving winners to share the glory.”
Both the Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year and the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year will each receive an all-expenses paid trip to attend the 2028 World Butchers’ Challenge. They’ll also be eligible for selection into the ANZCO Foods Young Butchers of New Zealand Team, competing at the international World Champion Young Butcher competition held as part of the World Butchers’ Challenge. Winners also take home a trophy and a premium knife set.
The victorious teams in the Pure South Master Butcher Teams Challenge received the prestigious team trophy, along with prize money to share among members.
The National Butchery Awards are proudly supported by Pure South, Pact Packaging, ANZCO Foods, Dunninghams, Hellers, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Skills4Work, Tegel, Victory Knives, Wilson Hellaby, Anago, Global Cuisine, Argus, Cabernet Foods, and NZPork.
Award Winners:
Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year:
Winner: Anton Rameka, New World Managawhai
Runner Up: Matthew Hiroti, PAK’nSAVE, Ormiston
ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year:
Winner: Alex Pellow, New World Mt. Maunganui
Runner Up: Cody Burbery, PAK’nSAVE, Te Awamutu
Pure South Master Butcher Teams Challenge:
Winners: The Black Gloves, Australia and TA PAK’nSAVE Stickmen, Te Awamutu
People’s Choice Winner: Foodie Fighters
Additional Product Awards:
Beef + Lamb New Zealand ‘Best Beef Product’ – Matthew Hiroti,
Fillet Cream Pie with Cream Cheese, Spinach & Onion JamBeef + Lamb New Zealand ‘Best Lamb Product’ – William Fletcher,
Moroccan Lamb Shoulder RackNZPork ‘Best Pork Product’ – Mya Wilson-Hiraka,
Pork Stuffed RumpsTegel Foods ‘Best Chicken Product’ - Riley Hall, Cream Cheese Stuffed Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
Cabernet Foods ‘Cleanest Bones’ – Sam Chapman, New World Prestons
Anago ‘Sharpest Knife’ – Filipo Taliu, PAK’nSAVE, Lower Hutt
Skills4Work ‘Emerging Talent’ – Riley Hall, New World Gardens, Dunedin
Pure South Master Butcher Teams Challenge Product Awards:
People’s Choice Best Display - Foodie Fighters
Beef + Lamb New Zealand ‘Best Beef Product’ - T.A. Pak'nSAVE Stick Men
Brisket Jalapeño + Cheddar TrufflesBeef + Lamb New Zealand ‘Best Lamb Product’ - Black Gloves
Provolone Chump Roast