Two Day | Butchery Workshop – Poultry | 9th to 10th October 2025

Description

Tutor: Taiamai Corker

Early bird special, discounted price, get in now! Price will increase 10% one month prior to the course starting (from the 9th September 2025)*.

This is a 2 day event. 

Immerse yourself in the art of poultry breeding, management and butchery during this comprehensive two-day course. Meet Taiamai, a passionate butcher and farmer, renowned for his expertise in handling Wiltshire  Sheep, Kunekune pigs , poultry, and Dexter/Jersey  cows. Taiamai’s unique teaching approach ensures that the world of butchery and meat processing is accessible to all.

This workshop is designed for individuals seeking to develop their own regenerative poultry systems that are not reliant on industrial chicken feed, enabling them to produce their own eggs and meat. Throughout the course, we will explore various chicken system designs that cater to different situations. Hands-on experience is at the heart of this workshop, as each participant will have multiple opportunities to learn the necessary tasks involved in killing, plucking, and preparing chickens for freezing or cooking.

Taiamai will provide an in-depth tour of his poultry operation, showcasing his diverse breeds and management practices. You will witness chickens harmoniously coexisting with cows, thriving in both small and large forest gardens. Ducks in their happy habitats and Chinese Weeder Geese will also captivate your attention. Furthermore, you will encounter flocks of chickens utilized as cluckies, alongside muscovies fulfilling the same role. Our own Golden Campine and Golden Campine x Sicilian Buttercup breeds will also be showcased.

During this workshop, you will acquire essential skills, including:

• Selecting the best breeds and birds to meet your specific egg and meat requirements.
• Choosing breeds that align with the available food sources at your disposal.
• Identifying breeds that exhibit optimal food-to-egg or food-to-meat conversion ratios.
• Implementing various approaches to raising birds for meat or egg production.
• Mastering the butchering process for chickens, ducks, muscovies, and potentially geese.
• Selecting birds that are ready for butchering and employing low-stress handling techniques.
• Gaining proficiency in both hand plucking and utilizing a plucking machine.
• Learning diverse butchering methods, empowering you to choose the approach that suits your needs.
• Utilizing all parts of the birds, minimizing waste and maximizing utilization.

As a special bonus, included in the ticket price for this workshop, you will receive a complimentary Egg Production Booklet. This comprehensive resource will provide you with valuable information and insights into maximizing your egg production, covering topics such as optimal nutrition, housing requirements, breeding considerations, and health management for your flock. This booklet will serve as a valuable reference and guide to support your journey in egg production.

Join us on this immersive poultry butchery workshop, where you will develop invaluable skills and knowledge to create your own sustainable poultry systems. Taiamai’s expertise and passion will guide you through the process, leaving you equipped to embark on your own regenerative poultry journey.

A complimentary Kōanga Institute 1 hour Guided tour will be available for those who wish to participate on the Thursday after 4pm. 

Itinerary: 

Thursday – Friday 9am to 4pm both days. 

Meals Provided:

Thursday: Morning Tea- Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner. 

Friday: Breakfast – Morning Tea – Lunch – Afternoon Tea.

For your convenience, we offer very basic camping facilities on-site, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Alternatively, you can opt to stay in Wairoa at your own cost. If you’re traveling from afar and need accommodation the night before or after the workshop, kindly inform us in advance. During this time, participants usually arrange their own food and cooking facilities.

We look forward to welcoming you here at Kōanga Institute.