Young Butcher of the Year 2004 Grand Final

10 August 2004

Young Butcher of the Year 2004 Grand Final

Eight finalists have been chosen to compete for the title of Young Butcher of the Year 2004. The National Final is being held over 23-24 August and showcases the talents of young butchers from around New Zealand.

The General Manager of the Retail Meat Industry Training Organisation, Stephen Macaulay, said, "This competition provides a great platform for competitors to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the butchery trade.”

The competition also tests the finalists' industry knowledge and technical abilities in front of their peers. “We begin with a round of theory exams and personal interviews, followed by a 90 minute cutting and display test. The final part and possibly the one most dreaded by the contestants is a 3 minute speech presented at the Industry Awards Dinner” Macaulay said.

The coveted prize of top young butcher is highly regarded within the Retail Meat Industry with previous competition winners having gone on to forge successful careers in the retail meat sector and beyond.

The finalists for the Young Butcher of the Year 2004 are:

Annita Beaman Cross Bros Butchery 1999 Ltd South Island

Paul Archbold Halswell Butchery South Island

William Blake Woolworths Masterton Wellington / Lower NI

Peter Leach Hutt City New World Wellington / Lower NI

Nigel Monk Our Town Meats Waikato / Central Districts

Scott Reid Botany New World Auckland

Karl Smith Woolworths Grey Lynn Auckland

Rhys Brown Orewa New World Auckland

The final is held in Auckland on the 23rd & 24th of August. The cutting and display test is held in conjunction with the New Zealand Culinary Fare Competition on the 24th commencing at 11.00am. The winner will be announced by national marathon runner Marnie Oberer at the Industry Awards Dinner at Stamford Plaza Auckland, on the evening of 24 August 2004.

Macaulay said “We are fortunate to have the strong support of our sponsors, especially our principle sponsor, Plix by Vertex. Major sponsors include Beef and Lamb Marketing Bureau, New Zealand Pork Industry Board and Tegel Foods, with supporting sponsors D.M. Dunningham, Aussie Wholesale Meats and Heller Tasty.

ENDS

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