After competing in regional finals around the country, the finalists will compete at the Grand Final in Auckland on 24 August. With a past winner and a past runner up in the mix, the competition will be fierce for the prestigious title of Alto Young Butcher of the Year.

The inaugural RMITO Butcher Apprentice of the Year category is also proving a tight competition, with the regional winners fighting off more than 30 entrants across the nation.

The finalists are:

Alto Young Butcher of the Year

Alesha Ross, New World Victoria Park, Auckland (past runner up)

Calum Sutherland, New World Westend, Rotorua (past winner)

Kym Whale, Preston’s Master Butchers, Wellington

James Brears, Fendalton New World, Christchurch

Robert Holdaway, New World Centre City, Dunedin

RMITO Butcher Apprentice of the Year

Alana Empson, New World Waiuku, Auckland

Damien Hanley, New World Hillcrest, Hamilton

Shea Demanser, Bay Cuisine, Napier

Steven Watts, Ellesmere Butchery, Leeston

Rueben O’Connell, New World Alexandra, Alexandra

The event, organised by Retail Meat New Zealand (RMNZ), is sponsored by Alto, Retail Meat Industry Training Organisation (RMITO), Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Cabernet Foods, Hellers, New Zealand Pork, Tegel, Wilson Hellaby, Dunninghams and Kerry Ingredients.