Master Butcher Team Challenge 2021
In 2021, the New Zealand butchery competition scene levelled up with the launch of the Pure South Master Butcher Teams Challenge,
the competition's first ever teams event. This meant it wasn’t just knife skills being tested, but also teamwork, strategy and yes, plenty of butcher banter!
This prestigious competition is reserved for butchers with exceptional skill and proficiency, creating a high-stakes playing field in the search for New Zealand’s top team of master butchers.
Representing Aussie Butcher New Lynn in the 'Housewives Heartbreakers' team were our very own Ben Nelson and Reuben Sharples, joined by Dan Klink from Mangawhai Meats, competing at the Vodafone Event Centre.
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
Over two hours, teams can create whatever products they like from their allocated cuts, with judges marking them across a rigorous set of criteria:
• Safety: correct use of tools, tidy work areas and clothing.
• Hygiene: cleanliness of tools, equipment and work space.
• Speed and efficiency: total process to be efficient, fluent and completed within the allotted time.
• Yield and knife skills: cuts must be saleable, attractive and cleanly executed.
• Uniform and personal appearance: professional presentation counts.
• Display: creativity and attractiveness of trays, garnishing, decorations, signage and overall presentation.
• Product produced: the quality and execution of cuts.
• Cooking instructions: contestants must show knowledge of the cookability of the products.
BACKED BY THE BEST
The event was proudly brought to you by Retail Meat New Zealand, with the support of Pure South New Zealand and sponsors including Pact Packaging, ANZCO Foods, Beef and Lamb New Zealand, Competenz, Dunninghams, Hellers, Tegel Foods, Wilson Hellaby, Cabernet Foods Ltd, NZ Pork and Victorinox.
2022 HELLERS SHARP BLACKS
Reuben Sharples and his team mate, Dan Klink were selected for the
Hellers Sharp Blacks, New Zealand’s national butchery team. The team competed at the 2022 World Butchers’ Challenge in Sacramento against 13 other international teams. Find out how they got on here.
