Black and white emblem for Lamb Day featuring a sailing ship at the top, a lamb at the bottom, and decorative elements with the text 'National Lamb Day' and the date 'February 15'.

NATIONAL LAMB DAY, CELEBRATED ON 15 FEBRUARY, HONOURS THE ORIGIN OF NEW ZEALAND’S GLOBALLY RENOWNED FOOD INDUSTRY.

The emblem of the New Zealand Food Certification Authority featuring a white fern leaf circled by the organization name on a black background.
A person in a plaid shirt and hat herding sheep and dogs along a dirt path in a wooded area, sunlight filtering through the trees.
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HISTORY

On February 15, 1882, entrepreneurs William Davidson and Thomas Brydone organised the first shipment of frozen lamb from Port Chalmers, Otago to London.

Davidson, a British-based general manager of the New Zealand and Australian Land Company, had been involved in refrigerated shipping experiments, leading to this pioneering journey of around 5,000 carcasses.

This event marked the beginning of New Zealand’s multi-billion dollar meat industry, showcasing the high quality of New Zealand lamb to the world.

A round black badge with the numbers 15.02, 1882, and 15.02, with three wavy lines beneath the number 1882.
Black and white abstract pattern of swirling lines and curves.
A circular emblem with a ship at the top, the year 1882 in large font in the center, and the text "First Shipment NZ Lamb" below.
Close-up of skewered grilled meat cooking over an open flame, with glistening, charred exterior.
Black background with bold white text that reads 'Let's celebrate 15 years'.

FIRE UP YOUR BBQ AND RAISE A CHOP IN SALUTE TO OUR FOOD CHAMPIONS!

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SUPPORTING OUR NZ FOOD PRODUCERS

National Lamb Day is an opportunity to celebrate our New Zealand lamb producers, no matter the conditions they ensure we have the best quality kai available for our tables.

New Zealand lambs are grass-fed and pasture-raised, ensuring New Zealand lamb is some of the tastiest in the world.

Help spread the word and download the toolkit.

TOOLKIT
Black and white geometric pattern of overlapping semicircles.
Black and white sign with the text "Farm to Fork" and "Goodness" at the bottom.
Grilled pork ribs topped with chopped chives, served with a side of mixed fresh vegetables including radish slices, green beans, and chopped parsley.

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RECIPES.CO.NZ
Black background with overlapping rectangular tags displaying the words "JUICY," "SCRUMPTIOUS," "TENDER," "DELICIOUS," and "SUCCULENT" in white, bold, capital letters.