Judges Brian Everton , left, Peter Martin pictured with Adrianna Te Aonui.
Te Awamutu butchers Cody Burbery and Adrianna Te Aonui have pulled off a double to qualify for the young butcher and apprentice of the year national finals.
The Pak’n Save Te Awamutu duo won both categories at the regional heats in Hamilton.
Judge Peter Martin, right, with Cody Burbery.
Te Aonui celebrated top honours in the Pact Packaging Young Butcher category, and Burbery led the field in the Anzco Foods Butcher Apprentice competition. The pair also won the same titles in 2025.
They will represent the Central North Island region at the grand final in Auckland on August 13. Wintec’s Rotokauri Campus hosted the regional heat on Wednesday last week after The News had gone to press.
A total of 14 competitors completed a two-hour showcase of technical skill and creative product development. Competitors were required to break down a beef rump, a pork shoulder, a lamb leg, and two chickens to create a display of retail-ready, value-added products.
Te Aonui thought what set her apart was bringing together baking and butchery skills to create her display of products.
“It’s about using a bit of fusion to upgrade and upsell our butchery products while still letting the meat shine.”
Te Aonui has been qualified for one year and everything she prepared was something “we sell at work”.
“We’re fortunate to have such high-quality meat in New Zealand that we don’t need to do too much to it.
“Looking ahead to the grand final I’ll be focusing on the finishing details and taking on board the judges’ feedback. Refining those final touches will be a key area for me as I prepare for the next stage of the competition.”
Burbery said he was excited at having the opportunity to “go one better than last year”.
“I think my experience in previous competitions has helped set me apart, particularly when it comes to managing the pressure that comes with competing at this level,” he said.
“In the lead-up to the grand final I’ll be focusing on simplifying my display. Sometimes less is more, and I want to make sure I get all the finer details right. Those small details can make a big difference and will hopefully help set me apart from the competition.”
Head Judge Peter Martin, Butchery Training Advisor at Skills4Work in Auckland, said it was clear the future of the trade was in strong hands nationwide.
Judges Brian Everton , left, Peter Martin pictured with Adrianna Te Aonui.
