Christchurch Young Butcher Wins Top Award

Media Release

Date 25 August 2004

Christchurch Young Butcher Wins Top Award

The Retail Meat Industry Training Organisation is pleased to announce that Paul Archbold from Halswell Butchery, Christchurch is the winner of the 2004 Young Butcher of the Year.

On Tuesday 24th August, Archbold won the title from seven other finalists. Scott Reid of Botany Downs New World , Auckland, was runner-up, with third place going to Nigel Monk, Our Town Meats, Tokoroa.

In a first for the competition, Archbold also won the Best Under 20 Award.

Delighted with his win, Archbold said “I’m absolutely stoked to receive the award which is the best thing that has happened to me for a long time. Everything I have worked, trained and studied for has come true.”

“It proves that dedication to work and the butchery craft does pay off” said Archbold.

The General Manager of the Retail Meat Industry Training Organisation, Stephen Macaulay, said “The standard and quality of this year’s final was absolutely outstanding. After two intensive days of competing in various disciplines there was very little separating the country’s best young butchers.”

“As well as their practical butchery ability, the competition tests contestant’s theory, knowledge and communication skills.”

“The competition showcases the skills and knowledge of New Zealand’s best young butchers in front of their peers and the public. Now in its twelfth year, the competition has become an important event to the retail meat industry in developing the skills of the trade.” added Macaulay.

The competition ended with the Industry Award’s Dinner at the Stamford Plaza Auckland on Tuesday night where the awards were made with over 230 industry representatives present.

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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