Arrowtown butcher wins place at national finals
Rising star of the butchery world William Fletcher has earned a place at the grand finals of the National Butchery Awards.
Fletcher, from R.M. Prime Produce at Ayrburn in Arrowtown, took top honours in the Pact Packaging Young Butcher category at the lower South Island regional heat, held in Dunedin on Friday, 13 June.
He stepped up to a demanding two-hour cutting challenge, showcasing technique, creativity, and speed in pursuit of a spot at the national final.
Fletcher started his apprenticeship in 2020 and has been a qualified butcher now for one-and-a-half years.
"It feels great to compete for the first time and be rewarded after all the hard work and preparation. RM Produce has been really supportive, especially my mentor Isaac Webster, who’s given me valuable guidance."
Riley Hall from New World Gardens, Dunedin, also qualified for the finals, leading the field in the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice competition.
Hall is in his third year as an apprentice and is mentored by butcher, Corey Parker and this will be his third competition.
“I’m excited to be heading to the Nationals again, as it’s taken a lot of late nights and hard work to get here," Hall says.
"I think my display set me apart this year; I learned a lot from last year’s nationals and worked on improving my speed. I’ll now be focusing on refining my cuts based on the judges’ feedback to make my next display stand out even more.”
These prestigious competitions form part of a nationwide series aimed at recognising New Zealand’s most talented butchers, all building toward the ultimate final in August.
Contestants were tasked with breaking down a beef short loin, whole pork leg, lamb shoulder, and two chickens, transforming them into an impressive range of value-added products. All work was judged on technique, efficiency, presentation, and overall craftsmanship.
Head Judge Peter Martin, Butchery Training Advisor at Skills4Work in Auckland, says it’s a privilege to support New Zealand’s emerging butchery talent.
"The standard in the South Island was exceptionally high, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the North Island competitors bring to their regionals. Congratulations to everyone who stepped up to compete, it takes real courage to showcase your skills, and they should all be proud of themselves," Martin says.
Both Fletcher and Hall received a $150 cash prize and a trophy and will represent their region at the National Butchery Awards on Thursday, 14 August, at EventFinda Stadium in Auckland.
