1018 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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2 hours ago

Lest we forget...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.

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3 days ago

Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? 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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Does the building consent process need to change?
  • 91.4% Yes
    91.4% Complete
  • 8.3% No
    8.3% Complete
  • 0.3% Other - I'll share below!
    0.3% Complete
1014 votes