Justin not mincing words: I hate losing

Justin Hinchco will mix it with the country's best young butchers next month. Photo / Supplied

Butcher's apprentice Justin Hinchco is about to embark on the biggest battle of his career as 10 young butchers prepare for the 2015 Alto Young Butcher and Competenz Butcher Apprentice of the Year Grand Final.

Lower North Island winners Mr Hinchco, who works at New World Havelock North, and Vernon Atutahi, of New World Marton, will compete against winners from other regions on September 10 in Auckland.

The Bay apprentice won the Alto Young Butcher category and will have just over two hours to turn a beef rump, pork loin, size-20 chicken and a mystery cut into a display of value-added cuts.

The two will also be assessed on their communication skills in an interview and their knowledge of the trade in an exam.

An entrant for the past two years, the local lad said he was excited to finally be going to the ultimate stage.

"I've been a bridesmaid for the last two years and I hate losing so it's great to finally be part of the grand final," he said.

This year's grand final promises to be the biggest event the industry has seen, with the inclusion of the third annual Tri-Nations Butchers' Challenge.

In the challenge, our national butchery team, The Pure South Sharp Blacks, will defend their two-time title against the United Kingdom and Australia.

The grand final will be held on September 10 at Shed 10 in Auckland, with the cutting test beginning at 12pm and the Tri-Nations Butchers' Challenge starting at 4.20pm.