Sharpblacksnz

2028 Hellers Sharp Blacks Team Applications Now Open!

The 2028 World Butchers' Challenge (WBC) is set to take place in Australia, which means it's time for us to select a team to represent New Zealand on the world stage!

We are looking to form our 2028 Hellers Sharp Blacks team, who will continue to build on existing wins, while showcasing our competitive ‘Kiwi’ edge, and our reputation as a humble, yet successful team.

The WBC competition is tough, the pressure is intense, the talent of butchery is outstanding and the passion for the trade is next level - so we're looking to put our best team forward for this epic competition!

The search is on. If you think you’ve got what it takes to be part of the Hellers Sharp Blacks team, apply now.

Applications close on Thursday 9th July 2026

Click on the link

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women helping shape the future of butchery.

We’re proud to have seen women representing New Zealand on the global stage at the World Butchers’ Challenge in Paris last year, where the world’s top female butchers showcased exceptional skill.

New Zealand was represented by:

• Cherise Redden, Hellers Sharp Blacks – Garnish & Display
• Samantha Weller, Hellers Sharp Blacks – Reserve
• Morgan Clark, ANZCO Foods Young Butchers of New Zealand Squad – Young Butcher Competitor

In our 2025 Pact Packaging Young Butcher and ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year competitions, four outstanding women reached the finals:

Samantha Chapman
Adriana Te Aonui
Mya Wilson-Hiraka
Jo Janaszkiewicz

Their skill, determination and passion for the craft were evident throughout the competition. Special congratulations to:

• Samantha Chapman, winner of the Cabernet Foods Cleanest Bones Award
• Mya Wilson-Hiraka, winner of the NZPork Best Pork Product Award

We are proud to see such strong female talent emerging in the industry and look forward to seeing where their careers take them.

Their achievements continue to inspire the next generation of women entering the trade, both here in New Zealand and around the world.

Today we celebrate the skill, dedication and leadership of women across the butchery industry.

Official announcement: The World Butchers’ Challenge is heading to Australia in 2028 for its 10th anniversary edition!

Australia has been part of the WBC story since day one – now, it takes centre stage as host for this milestone year. The 2028 competition, hosted by Australian Meat Industry Council - National will showcase global craftsmanship, passion, and connection on one of the world’s most incredible stages.

📅 Venue and dates will be unveiled at our official launch in early 2026. Until then, the countdown is on

Congratulations to Anton Rameka – Foodstuffs Butcher Apprentice of the Year 2025!

Anton has taken out the top spot in this year’s Foodstuffs Apprenticeship Program, a major achievement that recognises excellence in butchery across Aotearoa NZ

This prestigious award celebrates the apprentice who stood out across every aspect of the program – from workshop performance and theory test results to courage, professionalism, and initiative.

Anton impressed with his:

* Excellence in hands-on workshops

* Strong theoretical knowledge in food safety and product understanding

* Initiative, professionalism, and a passion for the industry

This title isn’t just about being good at the job – it’s about showing passion, growth, and a commitment to becoming one of the best. And Anton has done just that.

Well done, Anton – your hard work, skill, and mahi are helping shape the future of butchery in NZ

All 3 comps will be live streamed via the WBC YouTube channel:

https://m.youtube.com/

We will be keeping the action going on our sharpblacksnz page via real time stories followed by reels.

*World Champion Butcher Apprentice*
Date: Sunday 30 March
NZDT: 8pm

*World Champion Young Butcher*
Date: Monday 31 March
NZDT: 1.30am

*World Butchers' Challenge*
Date: Monday 31 March
NZDT: 10pm

*WBC Gala dinner and Awards*
This will be live on the World Butchers' Challenge Instagram page

https://www.instagram.com/worldbutcherschallenge?igsh=bnowNzlyZTJhdHFh

Date: Wednesday 2 April
NZDT: 5am

We all fly out tomorrow afternoon @ 5pm. Thank you for following our journey, we can’t wait to show you what we get up to once we’re there. Stay tuned.