Foxton's Makalah Stevens is top butcher apprentice again

Makalah Stevens from Foxton New World is the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year.

Makalah Stevens of New World Foxton sharpened her knives and cut her way to claim first spot in the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year.

Stevens was up against butchers from across the lower North Island in the two-hour competition of the regional stages of the 2019 Alto Butcher and ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year.

It was a close call, but after a fierce competition Stevens took the top spot and Simon Dixon from Island Bay Butchery placed first in the Alto Butcher of the Year category.

Stevens has been the dominant force in this competition, having recorded her third straight victory in the Lower North Island regional.

She was pleased to have taken out the title for every year of her apprenticeship and when she graduates next year is setting her sights on the Butcher of the Year title.

"I'm really pleased to have won this regional again. I've been practicing every week, working on my attention to detail and organisation which I think has really helped me against the other competitors, who were really good.

"For the final I need to keep focusing on my speed and there were a few things I know I mucked up, so I can go away and work on these."

Stevens and Dixon will go to the Grand Final on August 8 in Auckland where they will further showcase their cutting skills, creativity and knowledge of the trade against the best in the country.