Foxton butchery apprentice makes the cut

Makalah Stevens, of Foxton New World, who won the top apprentice butcher title in a regional competition.

Butchers from across the lower North Island demonstrated their skill last week in a contest that saw them break down a size 20 chicken, a beef sirloin and a pork shoulder, and turn the cuts into a product display, in just two hours.

Foxton New World's Makalah Stevens took out the regional title of Competenz Butcher Apprentice of the Year, and was also the only female in her category, while Kieran Horsefield, from New World Greenmeadows, was awarded regional Butcher of the Year.

Foxton New World owner operator Jason Davy said Stevens, who is only in the first year of the three-year apprenticeship, had made an outstanding effort.

"She's been really determined and working hard," he said. "She's been getting lots of recognition."

Organisers said competition was at an all time high at the event, which was held at WelTec School of Hospitality in Wellington.

Chloe Willcox, of Regional Meat NZ, said the contest was a prestigious event, well regarded by the retail meat trade with the titles highly sought after.

"The competition has been running for over two decades and begins with three regional events, where entrants have to showcase their knife skills during a practical cutting test," she said.

It was the first year the competition was open to fully qualified butchers of all ages. Those still completing an apprenticeship fell under the Competenz Butcher Apprentice category.

Both Horsefield and Stevens will now advance to a grand final, being held in Auckland on August 31, where their skills will be put to the ultimate test against ten other regional winners in their categories.

Davy said his team were looking forward to seeing how Stevens does at the finals, which he would be attending.

He said the award showed how young people can realistically look to a future in the supermarket industry, and the local community should be proud.