From Parliament to field days, Kiwis enjoyed celebrating New Zealand food producers during National Lamb Day 2026.
Taranaki held two events showcasing lamb. At Colonel Malone’s in Stratford, lamb racks and shanks were on the menu, while the Urenui Hotel offered lamb on the spit. There were also generous prize draws for the hundreds who turned out to enjoy the sold out events.
Festival at Totara Estate
B+LNZ was proud to support the National Lamb Day Family Festivalat Totara Estate, Oamaru on Sunday 15 February. Totara Estate exported New Zealand’s first shipment of frozen meat overseas, making it the birthplace of our frozen meat export industry.
The Family Fun Day included heritage agricultural demonstrations such as blade shearing, dog trials, dry-stone wall building and blacksmithing, wool crafts with the opportunity to have-a-go at spinning, classic lawn games including tug-o-war, sack races and hobby horse races, and of course – delicious NZ lamb!
The Heritage New Zealand event was sponsored by Alliance, Gallaway Cook Allan and Asahi Beverages.
Social media and media buzz
National Lamb Day generated plenty of media attention, with social media playing a key role. We are still compiling the results but we are confident that we have continued to raise the profile of both National Lamb Day and the wider red meat sector.
Many of the MPs who attended the Parliamentary BBQ posted their support for the red meat sector, generating thousands of likes and comments.
B+LNZ and our partners in the day actively posted from Southern Field Days and other events around the country. B+LNZ Ltd’s so Held annually on 15 February, National Lamb Day commemorates the first shipment of frozen sheepmeat to the United Kingdom in 1882, a historic event marked the beginning of New Zealand’s multi-billion dollar meat industry.
B+LNZ Ltd partnered with farmer organisation AgProud, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc and the Meat Industry Association to plan activities for the occasion. We are grateful for the support from principal partners, Rabobank and FMG, who contributed to making this year’s National Lamb Day bigger and better than ever!
Bringing lamb to Parliament
This year’s festivities kicked off with a lamb BBQ at Parliament hosted by Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.
About 250 guests, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Ministers and MPs from across all political parties, many wearing their National Lamb Day t-shirts, gathered to honour the red meat sector's success and acknowledge the significant contributions it makes to New Zealand's economy.
Senior industry representatives made the most of the opportunity to discuss the value of the sector with guests.
The Country with Jamie Mackay broadcast live from the event – listen to the podcast here.
Celebrating in Waimumu
The Southern Field Days, coinciding with National Lamb Day, added to the celebrations.
AgProud organised a free lamb BBQ on Friday 13 February, drawing a crowd of attendees to enjoy some New Zealand lamb.
B+LNZ’s joint site with B+LNZ Inc was the spot for some fun activities, and The Rock FM broadcasted their drivetime show live from the showgrounds.
BBQs in Tararua and Taranaki
B+LNZ hosted a National Lamb Day BBQ at the Post Office Hotel, Pahiatua on Friday 13 February.
This was the second year of the regional-level B+LNZ event, following a successful BBQ in the Wairarapa last year.
The family-friendly community event went ahead despite the rain, attracting about 80 attendees.
All proceeds, totalling $650, were donated to the Tararua Rural Support Trust.
Thanks to sponsors Ovation, Rabobank, FMG, Farm Focus and the Post Office Hotel.
Social media posts alone have already gained more than 120,000 views.
There were also more than 600 mentions in the news media, spanning mainstream and rural channels, including radio, online articles and newspapers.
A big thank you to everyone who participated and shared information or their lamb dishes on social media.
B+LNZ Extension Manager Lesley Coppell and her son Lachie at the Pahiatua celebrations
Thanks
National Lamb Day 2026 was made possible through the support of our dedicated partners:
- Principal Partners: Rabobank and FMG
- Product Partners: Silver Fern Farms, Alliance, Ovation, ANZCO Foods, Greenlea Butcher Shop, AFFCO, Blue Sky Pastures, Uppercuts Butchery, Rad Kitchen, Prime Range Fresh, The Batch Cafe and Ruapuke Uncut
- Heritage Partner: Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
Get involved
Planning is already underway for National Lamb Day 2027! Keep an eye on the National Lamb Day website for updates.
