A Christchurch butcher has returned home proud after competing in a nationwide search for New Zealand’s best butcher made sausage, with a strong showing at a final judged in the self proclaimed sausage capital of the country.

New World Ferry Road butcher David May travelled from Christchurch to Tuatapere for the grand final, where locals tasted and voted on five finalist sausages from across the country.

“I flew in yesterday from Christchurch. Great vibe at the festival! I spent about 3 hours cooking up and serving my sausages and it was great sharing them with the locals,” May said.

His Brisket Jalapeño & Cheddar sausage, described as delivering deep beef brisket flavour paired with jalapeño warmth and creamy cheddar, was up against entries from stores in Long Bay, Remuera, Waipukurau and Alexandra.

“Really good feedback on my sausage! I reckon mostly adults liked it the most, but the kids not so much, due to it being a bit spicy. Locals told me it was juicy with great texture!” May said.

May finished third overall in the competition, which saw the top honour go to New World Alexandra butcher Thomas Ramage for his Beef Cheeseburger sausage.

“A little bit stressed during the voting but I was still feeling confident! I came in 3rd, which was a bit disappointing, but it was just fun to be there! Hats off to the Alexandra team that won, everyone deserved to win really!” May said.

The competition began with a nationwide search across New World stores, with five finalist sausages selected and brought to Tuatapere for community judging. Rather than celebrity chefs or industry experts, the decision was left to locals, who sampled and voted for their favourite at a public event.

New World Head of Marketing and CX Giselle Bleakley said the event celebrated the skill and creativity of butchers around the country.

“New World butchers take a huge amount of pride in what they do, and this competition has showcased their incredible skill and creativity across our stores,” Bleakley said.

“To see the winner chosen by the people of Tuatapere makes this extra special. It’s a true celebration of craft, community and really great sausages.”

Anne Horrell, Chair of the Tuatapere Community Board, said the town was proud to help select the winner.

“Sausages are part of Tuatapere’s identity, and locals take this seriously. It’s been fantastic to welcome the finalists and help choose the winning sausage,” she said.

May said he would not change a thing about his Christchurch entry.

“Wouldn’t change anything about my sausage! It’s beautiful and delicious and the flavor speaks for itself.”

“Really proud to represent my store and my city. All the hard work that my butchery team had put in, as well as my store owners, was really great.”

The winning sausage will now be available in participating New World stores nationwide.