Community & Business
4 March, 2025
Butcher now NZ champion
Luke Thomas has climbed to new heights in the butcher world having been crowned the New Zealand Butcher Wars champion.
Mr Thomas travelled to Hamilton in the north island to compete at the Meatstock Butcher Wars on 14th and 15th February.
In under 30 minutes, he was tasked with breaking down and preparing a side of lamb and a half saddle of pork into various, ready to sell, gourmet products.
“The nerves were high but I’d been preparing for Butcher Wars for many months and was confident knowing what I needed to win,” Mr Thomas said.
“As soon as the timer started I was efficient, focused and ready to give it everything I had.”
After the final count down, Mr Thomas said he felt relief and pride when he looked down at his final display.
Winning the Butcher Wars title in Hamilton has opened new pathways for Mr Thomas, who is now set to travel to London in June to compete in the World Championships.
His accolades in the butchering industry continue to mount, having placed second in the Meatstock Butcher Wars in Sydney last year, and in 2023 he was named as the nation’s best apprentice butcher.
“None of this would have been possible without the continuous support and encouragement from my friends, family and fellow work mates,” he said.
Before travelling to London, Mr Thomas will first compete in the remaining Meatstock events in Toowoomba (7-8th March), Bendigo (14-15 March) and Sydney (9-11 May).
“Meatstock isn’t just about eating incredible barbecue,” Jay Beaumont, Director of Meatstock said.
“It’s about united passion for the craft of barbecue and the culture that comes with it,” he said.
Mr Thomas completed his butcher apprenticeship last year at Ashton’s Butchery in Pittsworth and currently works at Millers Gourmet Meats in East Toowoomba.
A representative from Millers said they were thrilled to congratulate Luke on his outstanding achievement, and his passion for butchery is truly exceptional.
