Photo: Retail Meat New Zealand
Eight years improving her craft has led a Canterbury butcher to be crowned Young Butcher of the Year.
Sam Weller from New World Ravenswood in Christchurch nabbed the award at the National Butchery Awards in Auckland last night.
"I'm so excited and overwhelmed. This means everything to me - it's been an eight-year-long goal of mine, and to achieve it now is more than I could have ever imagined."
Weller competed in a two hour cutting competition where she had to trim, slice, and dice her way through a beef short loin, whole pork leg, lamb shoulder, two barrels and four whole legs of poultry, plus a mystery cut of lamb double saddle into a display of value-added products.
Head judge Peter Martin said this year's competition showcased excellent talent across all categories.
"I was really encouraged by what I saw, the competitors presented some fantastic displays, but what set Sam apart was her back-of-house work - she left really clean bones, and her finishing standard was excellent.
"I've watched Sam compete over the past few years, and it's clear she's determined to improve. She takes feedback seriously and works on it, which has led to her victory today."
Anton Rameka from New World Regent, Whangarei was crowned the Butcher Apprentice of the Year.
Butcher Apprentice of the Year Anton Rameka Photo: Retail Meat New Zealand
He had to do the two hour cutting test, a multiple-choice exam, and an interview with the judges.
It was his fourth crack at the competition and Rameka said he was over the moon with the win.
"The difference for me today was my creative side came out. I'm usually organised so that helps a lot, but keeping my calm really ensured I finished strong today."
Apprentice head judge Peter Farrelly said the overall standard was very high, making it difficult to judge.
"Anton's overall performance was impressive, demonstrating a deep technical understanding of his work and a commitment to leaving no stone unturned."
As well as a trophy, Weller and Rameka have won an all expenses paid trip to Paris for the World Butchers Challenge next year.