Two North Canterbury butchers to slice and dice at national competition final
Samantha Weller, from Pak’n Save Rangiora, placed first in the Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year category, while co-worker Maria Pio (pictured) claimed first spot in the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year category.
Saturday’s competition at Ara Institute of Canterbury in Christchurch was the fifth and final heat in a national series to find New Zealand’s top butchers to compete in a grand final showdown in Auckland in August.
The contestants put their boning, trimming, slicing and dicing skills to the test over two hours as they broke down a size 20 chicken, a whole pork leg, and a beef short loin into a display of value-added products.
Weller is no stranger to competitions and said she was delighted with her win.
“I want the grand title so badly – it has been my goal since I started competing and is my biggest goal for this year.”
Pio is in her third year as an apprentice and attributes her success to the support and mentors she has had during this time.
“I feel very proud of what I have achieved in my career so far. I am so happy to have an amazing team behind me to support me.”
When less is more
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‘Healthy’ response to Waimakariri’s Long Term Plan
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Waimakariri residents have had their say on the long-term plan (LTP) and given councillors plenty to consider.
A council spokesperson said ‘‘a healthy’’ 336 submissions have been received to the 2024-34 LTP, making 1670 submission points.
The council is due to hold hearings on the submissions on May 8, from 9.30am, in the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre and then in the Oxford Town Hall from 3pm.
A second day of hearings will be held in the council chambers in Rangiora the following day from 1pm.
The council has signalled a rates hike of 8.94% this year, which is thought to be the lowest proposed rates rise in Canterbury.
Mayor Dan Gordon said the council was feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis, while continuing to pay off its earthquake recovery and Mainpower Stadium loans.
The district’s population is projected to grow from about 70,000 to 82,075 by 2034, based on Stats NZ’s high growth scenario.
To support that growth, the council is proposing to spend around $693 million over the next 10 years.
Managing the natural environment, flood resilience, community facilities and transport infrastructure were being consulted on.
Key projects include the proposed Rangiora eastern link road, a draft natural environment strategy, the Rangiora Library extension and expansion plans for Mainpower Oval.
Once the hearings have concluded, the council will resume its LLT deliberations on May 21 and 22, before the final adoption in June.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?
Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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83.6% Yes
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14.2% No
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2.3% Other - I'll share below!
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