Aussies win knife edge battle

Five of Australia’s best butchers have edged out the Kiwi team in the first ever Trans-Tasman Butchery Test Match.

In an action-packed two hour event, Australia clinched the title in a hard fought battle.

New Zealand team member, Peter Martin says it was a fantastic event to be part of.

“I can’t wait to be part of something like this again, we were disappointed to lose but it has made the team even more determined to win next time,” says Martin.

The test match, sponsored by Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Meat & Livestock Australia, tested the butchers’ knife skills, speed and creativity.  The teams were tasked with producing a wide range of cuts from a side of beef and a whole lamb.  They marinated, garnished and displayed their meat to produce the most spectacular butcher’s windows.

Head judge, Keith Fisher, a top European butcher, says both teams were very equally matched.

“It’s been the most thrilling competition I’ve been involved in. Having these elite butchers competing is great for the industry, it will be something for apprentices to aspire to,” says Fisher.

The event was held as part of the annual Retail Meat New Zealand conference at Terrace Downs in Canterbury.

The New Zealand team was:

Peter Martin, Mad Butcher Onehunga, Auckland

Calum Sutherland, West End New World, Rotorua

Bruce van der Nett, Henderson Pak n Save, Auckland

Marcus Waldman, Mad Butcher Palmerston North

Corey Winder, Ashby’s Butchery, Christchurch

David Porter, Harmony Foods, Paeroa (travelling reserve)