The event saw competitors from across the country put their skills to the test, with top honours awarded to New Zealand’s standout butchery talent.
Anton Rameka from New World Mangawhai was named the Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year while Alex Pellow from New World Mt Maunganui won the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice title.
Rameka says he is over the moon about winning the Young Butcher title, especially after taking out the Apprentice Butcher last year.
“I’m absolutely stoked to have these back-to-back wins. I think what set me apart is what I do behind the bench – my organisation, tidiness, a strong range of creative products, and an all-round solid performance,” Rameka says.
The 2025 finalists earned their place in the Grand Final following five regional heats held in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Waikato and Auckland throughout June and July.
15 Young Butchers and 32 Butcher Apprentices took part in the regional heats, with six finalists in each category advancing to the national showdown, including one wildcard entrant.
Competitors faced off in a two-hour cutting challenge, watched by a crowd of industry colleagues, friends, and supporters.
The competition tested both technical precision and creative flair, as entrants worked under pressure in front of eight judges.
Peter Martin, head judge and butchery training advisor at Skills4Work says a “fantastic standard” was set with a “really skillful bunch of finalists”.
“Each year, they’re improving and being more creative,” he says. “Some of the products this year – particularly the pastry products – were just outstanding.”
“What set the winners apart this year was their composure to execute their plan under pressure. Anton Rameka (Young Butcher) and Alex Pellow (Butcher Apprentice) were worthy winners,” Martin says.
Competitors in the Pact Packaging Young Butcher and ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice categories were tasked with breaking down a beef short loin, whole pork leg, lamb shoulder, and two chickens, along with a lamb leg as the mystery cut.
Their task was to transform these into a visually compelling display of value-added products in a two-hour time frame.
Apprentice butchers also completed a written theory test and a formal interview with the judging panel.
This marked the second time Alex Pellow made it to the grand final in the Apprentice competition.
“It feels pretty surreal to win,” he says. “I’ve had amazing support and have been practicing really hard which has paid off – I’m stoked.”
Both the Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year and the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year will each receive an all-expenses paid trip to attend the 2028 World Butchers’ Challenge.
They’ll also be eligible for selection into the ANZCO Foods Young Butchers of New Zealand Team, competing at the international World Champion Young Butcher competition held as part of the World Butchers’ Challenge. Winners also take home a trophy and a premium knife set.
