Keep Your Food Safe This Festive Season: NZ Food Safety Tips
New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is reminding New Zealanders to keep food safety top of mind as they head into the festive season.
According to a recent survey, 34.8% of Kiwis will serve ham as their main protein on December 25, beating out lamb by 0.2%.
Ham has edged out lamb to become Kiwis’ top choice for their Christmas tables this year.
According to a recent survey, 34.8% of Kiwis will serve ham as their main protein on December 25, beating out lamb by 0.2%.
NZPork chief executive Brent Kleiss says the holiday season is the perfect time for Kiwis to gather with family and friends to celebrate.
“Every year, lamb and ham go head-to-head for the top spot on the Christmas table, and this year was no different,” Kleiss says. “We’re excited to see ham taking the win and being a part of so many festive celebrations.”
“If you’re one of the many Kiwis looking to buy a ham this Christmas, search the 100% NZ Bacon & Ham Awards as a good place to start,” he adds.
“Foodies and butchers crowned New Zealand’s top ham in June, along with 18 other medal-winner representing both national suppliers and independent retailers. This list represents the best of the best of 100% New Zealand ham.”
The annual survey, now in its seventh year, offers a glimpse into what makes a Kiwi Christmas.
This year, approximately 1,200 respondents shared their festive plans, from favourite dishes to cherished traditions.
The survey was promoted via social media channels and electronic newsletters of Retail Meat New Zealand, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, and NZPork. Entrants were incentivised to enter, with the opportunity to win one of five $200 meat vouchers.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.

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