Clevedon Coast Oyster shucker Iosefa (Joe) Kalasini is off overseas next week to compete in two oyster opening competitions - including the World championships in Ireland.
He placed second at the inaugural Auckland competition last month but with the winner unable to attend, Kalasini has stepped-up to the plate.
This Clevedon Coast Oyster shucker has a shot at being the world's fastest.
Kalasini says, "I'm very happy. I'm very happy. I want to go to Japan for the competition and Ireland and hopefully come back with a win and bring a trophy."
Kalasini will represent New Zealand at Japan's champs next week before he takes on the world's best in Ireland. With the first place getter at Auckland's first shucking competition unable to take the prize, Kalasini is grateful for the opportunity.
Julia Mountain says, "We haven't been represented up there before, although that contest has been going for, I believe, 62-years and it's the second largest festival they have in Ireland after St Patricks Day.”
While Kalasini is unsure how many oysters he has shucked during his seven-year career, he deals to 485 oysters a day.
Japan's Oyster Shucking Championships will be held next week. Ireland's World Oyster Shucking Championship at Galway will start September 25.