We already suspected it, but now we have definitive proof that our local butcher is the best in New Zealand.

Warkworth Butchery is celebrating after Rob Lees took home first place in The Master Butcher of the Year Awards this week.

Six of New Zealand’s master butchers battled it out. They were given two hours to break down a beef banjo and a whole lamb and impress the judges with their value-added display.

“I was pretty chuffed, I surprised myself”, said Rob. “I only entered to encourage my apprentice to enter the regional competition, and he said he'd only do it if I entered too. For the first seven weeks I thought the emails I was getting were about his competition, I didn’t even realise I'd been selected.”

Rob was pleased he took home the $3,500 cash prize.

“It’s taken a lot of practice, but it went smoothly. I’ve really enjoyed the experience.”

Contestants were marked on safety, hygiene, speed and efficiency, yield and knife skills, display, product produced and cooking instructions of product.

This competition is reserved for those who have great skill and proficiency in the craft of butchery, giving the judges a real challenge in the search to find the country’s top master butcher. Well done Rob!