New Zealand takes out annual Tri-Nations Butcher's Challenge

The intense, three-hour butchery competition saw the Kiwis beat out the Australian and English teams.

For the third time in a row New Zealand's national butchery team, The Pure South Sharp Blacks, have won the annual Tri-Nations Butchers’ challenge.

The team spent months refining their skills before taking part in the three-hour competition, held at Auckland's Shed 10 on September 10th.

The intense competition saw the butchers turn a side of beef, pork and a whole lamb into value added cuts to produce a world-class display based around a Kiwiana theme. 

Team Captain, Corey Winder says he is absolutely ecstatic with the win. 

“We have put in a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears. The team is so pumped, words can’t describe the feeling of accomplishment,” he says. 

Held on the same day, Alana Empson from New World in Hillcrest was announced winner of the Alto Young Butcher category, while Hohepa Smith from Countdown Meat and Livestock topped the Competenz Butcher Apprentice of the Year category.