Tag Archives: RMITO

New Zealand’s young retail butcher of the year

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New Zealand’s young butchers have been competing for the 2012 Alto Young Butcher of the Year title.

After an intense day of Grand Final competition, Peter Tuapawa, from Victoria Park New World in Auckland, narrowly beat Abigail Smith, from Pak’nSave Kaitaia for the title.

Kim Doran, from Retail Meat New Zealand, says the race came down to two points.

“Peter and Abigail had tied the Auckland regional competition last month, so we always knew it was going to come down to the smallest of margins,” says Doran.

The finalists in the competition all underwent an exam, interview, practical test and on stage challenge.

“The competition prizes include cash and study tours, but more important for the finalists’ is the title and the chance to say they’re the best in the country,” says Doran.

The other winner on the night was Jared McLeod, from Regent New World in Whangarei, who took out the RMITO Butcher Apprentice of the Year category.

McLeod says it was unreal to win.

“I really wasn’t expecting it, the competition brought together the best apprentices New Zealand has to offer. It just feels great to come out on top,” says McLeod.

The competition is proudly supported by Alto, Retail Meat Industry Training Organisation, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc., Dunninghams, Hellers, Kerry Ingredients, NZ Pork, Wilson Hellaby, Cabernet Foods, Natural Farm and Tegel Foods.

 

Battle of the butchers begins

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Abigail Smith

Young New Zealand butchers across the country have begun sharpening their knives in anticipation of the 2012 Alto Young Butcher and Retail Meat Industry Training Organisation (RMITO) Butcher Apprentice of the year competition.

Current RMITO Butcher Apprentice of the Year, Abigail Smith, has her sights set on the Young Butcher title after her success in the apprentice category last year.

“Last year’s win set the standard for me and only makes me eager to push myself to the limit this year and take home the big title,” says Abigail.

Entries are now open to the competition, which kicks off with a series of regional heats across New Zealand over the month of July.

The winners of each regional will go on to compete in the Grand Final, to be held on 24 August at the Viaduct Event Centre in Auckland.

During the Grand Final, the young butchers will be put through a practical exam, interview, cutting test and mystery on-stage element to determine who will walk away with the prestigious title and the prize of a study tour to Europe.

The RMITO Butcher Apprentice of the Year will win a study tour to Australia.

The competition is proudly supported by Alto, RMITO, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc., Dunninghams, Hellers, Kerry Ingredients, NZ Pork, Wilson Hellaby, Cabernet Foods, Natural Farm and Tegel Foods.