Six of New Zealand’s top butchers – The Hellers Sharp Blacks – have undergone one of their final training sessions in Auckland ahead of their trip to Paris to take on the world’s best butchers at the World Butchers’ Challenge on 31 March, 2025.
The competition itself is conducted over a three hour and thirty minute period at the Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles with competing teams given a side of beef, a side of pork, a whole lamb and five chickens which they must then transform into a themed display of value-added products.
Independent Judging
Teams are allowed to provide their own seasonings, spices, marinades and garnish to finish products that are designed to inspire and push the boundaries, yet which are also able to be cooked and would sell in a retail setting. Independent judges score each team based on technique & skill, workmanship, product innovation, overall finish and presentation.
Readying his team to compete against 13 other nations, Team Captain, Riki Kerekere says:
“The team has done everything it can to prepare. We are excited and looking forward to reconnecting with everyone. See you soon Paris!”
The Hellers Sharp Blacks Team includes:- Captain, Riki Kerekere (Auckland), Reuben Sharples (Auckland), Luka Young (Auckland), Dan Klink (Northland), Cherise Redden (Auckland), Corey White (Auckland) and Samantha Weller (Woodend, Christchurch). The team is led by Team Manager, Brydon Heller.
Preceding this event, five of New Zealand’s top, young butchers will also compete in the World Champion Butcher Apprentice & Young Butcher Competitions. They are:- Brad Gillespie (Hamilton), James Smith (Auckland), Morgan Clark (Nelson) and Anton Rameka (Mangawhai).
Rhys Tamanui (Hawke’s Bay) will compete in the World Champion Butcher Apprentice competition.
Global Rivalry
First established in 2011 as a trans-Tasman rivalry between New Zealand and Australia, the competition has since grown into a global event.
In 2025, The World Butchers’ Challenge (WBC) has expanded its worldwide reach to five continents with new, participating nations within Asia and Europe, including: Indonesia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Romania, and Spain.
Outside of New Zealand, The Makani Australian Butcher Team and Great Britain’s, Team GB: UK Lions are also readying themselves for a tough competition with final training sessions being completed in their respective countries.
