event: PACT PACKAGING YOUNG BUTCHER OF THE YEAR
On their way to the Grand Final
After a busy few weeks on the road, we wrapped up the five 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 seven finalists for 2026 Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year - ordered top left to bottom right as per the list next to this image.
Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year finalists:
Thomas Hamliton from New World Balclutha - Lower South Island Regional Winner
Blair Wright from Peter Timbs Meats - Upper South Island Regional Winner
Adrianna Te Aonui from PAK'nSAVE Te Awamutu - Waikato Regional Winner
Chloe Steel from De Bauchery - Upper North Island Regional Winner (tie)
Matthew Hiroti from PAK'nSAVE Ormiston - Upper North Island Regional Winner (tie)
Rhys Tamanui from Waipawa Butchery - Lower North Island Regional Winner
Tyrone Matehe from New World Ravenswood - Wild Card Winner
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