Peter Leitch (Mad Butcher)
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Peter Leitch QSM, also known as The Mad Butcher, is a New Zealand businessman. Although well known in New Zealand for his chain of butcheries, Peter Leitch is arguably just as well known for his charity, fund-raising work and his promotion of rugby league.
Born in Wellington New Zealand, Peter Leitch left school at age 15 to work as a butcher's boy. After starting his business in 1971 he built it up to its current size of 34 stores throughout New Zealand. The business is still expanding at a time when most butcheries are struggling to compete with supermarkets.
Peter Leitch's charity work is well known and he was awarded a Queen's Service Medal in 1991. He is also known for his enthusiastic support of New Zealand rugby league and the Warriors. The sport's profile in New Zealand has no doubt increased due to Peter Leitch's vocal support; he even managed the Kiwi's victorious Tri-Nations campaign in late 2005.
Being viewed as an ambassador for the average New Zealander resulted in Peter Leitch's being voted the 41st most influential New Zealander by Listener Magazine in 2004.
