1236 days ago

Two North Canterbury butchers to slice and dice at national competition final

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

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.”

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More messages from your neighbours
12 hours ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.

This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.

Do you think this ban is reasonable?

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Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 76.5% Yes
    76.5% Complete
  • 22.7% No
    22.7% Complete
  • 0.8% Other - I'll share below
    0.8% Complete
520 votes
17 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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1 day ago

Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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