Important new research and sector manifesto released

// Research

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and the Meat Industry Association (MIA) this week jointly released key documents that help us tell the sector’s story – particularly in the lead-up to the General Election.

meat processing

We know our contribution to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of New Zealand is significant and the new independent research enables us to quantify that contribution.

The research confirms the red meat sector is one of the largest employers in New Zealand – it accounts for 92,000 jobs, or almost five percent of the fulltime workforce.  

The sector generates $12 billion in income annually, and $4.6 billion in household income – this is, on average, about $3,300 for every household in New Zealand. 

At a regional level, the extent of the red meat sector’s contribution is even more pronounced. In some regions it can account for 12 percent of fulltime employment and up to $5000 per household. 

We also released the red meat sector’s manifesto, outlining the sector’s key policy priorities. We’ll be using this to engage with political parties ahead of the election in September. 

B+LNZ CEO Sam McIvor says the industry has underlined its resilience in the wake of COVID-19.

“In this period of adversity, the primary sector has shone. Despite significant drought, feed shortages across the country and the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak, our industry has continued to perform strongly and deliver for New Zealand.

“It’s our time to lead New Zealand’s economic recovery.” 

 In order to do that, we need to ensure we have our long-term policy settings – particularly in trade and market access, the environment, people and capability, and immigration – and infrastructure right.  

Copies of the documents can be found below. 

Key documents

  • Research