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