NZPork Names Mark Hooper Chair, Paul Bucknell Retires
Mark Hooper has been appointed the new chair of NZPork, the industry organisation representing New Zealand pig farmers.
The organisation is encouraging shoppers who want a New Zealand ham this Christmas to order early and read the label, because a ham made here, or sold under a familiar Kiwi brand, may not be made from New Zealand pork.
“A New Zealand ham is a delicious way to celebrate Christmas and support our pig farmers,” says NZPork chair Mark Hooper.
“If that’s what you want on your table, now is a good time to ask your butcher or supermarket and place your order.”
How Much Pork Is Imported?
Hooper says around 60% of the pork eaten in New Zealand is imported.
Almost all fresh pork in supermarkets is from New Zealand, he says, but imported pork is widely used in bacon and ham.
Ordering early gives shoppers time to find a ham made from pork born and raised in New Zealand.
How Do You Check A Ham Label?
The key, Hooper says, is to check where the pig was raised, not just where the ham was made. Country-of-origin labelling has applied to fresh and thawed bacon and ham since 2022, and to frozen products since 2023.
The origin statement must be clear and legible, but it doesn’t have to be on the front of the pack. A ham can say “Made in New Zealand” on the front, with a list of possible source countries in small print on the back.
NZPork suggests these checks:
- Find the country-of-origin statement on the pack or the sign beside the product.
- Look for wording that this pork was born and raised in New Zealand, or that lists New Zealand as the only country where the pigs were raised.
- Look for NZPork's "100% NZ" ham label or the PigCare label. PigCare also indicates the pork comes from New Zealand farms accredited under the industry's animal welfare assurance programme.
- If several possible countries are listed, that doesn't confirm New Zealand origin.
- If you're unsure, ask your retailer.
What Does the Published Product Information Show?
NZPork says published product information for two of New Zealand’s biggest brands shows why individual products should be checked.
It says Hellers uses “NZ’s Butcher” branding, but its Sliced Ham off the Bone page lists pork raised in any one or more of Canada, Denmark, Germany, Spain and the USA. Hellers also offers a separate NZ Free Farmed ham range.
It says Beehive promotes “NZ’s most delicious” meats, but its Champagne Ham page lists pigs raised in one or more of 14 countries, not including New Zealand.
What Does NZPork Want Changed?
NZPork research shows 88& of New Zealanders believe “Made in NZ” should mean the animal was born and raised here.
Hooper says the Government has acknowledged NZPork’s concerns that some branding may mislead shoppers but has ruled out changing the law.
He says Parliament’s Regulations Review Committee has recommended the Government consider changing the rules to avoid confusing labelling.
“Country-of-origin labelling for pork products, including bacon and ham, must be clear, accurate, prominent and enforceable, so shoppers can easily tell where their pork comes from,” he says. “We want the incoming Government to tackle this issue head on.”
