Coasties are invited to gather friends and family on Saturday, 15 February, to fire up the barbecue and celebrate National Lamb Day.

The annual event pays tribute to New Zealand’s proud agricultural heritage and the hard work of local farmers and food producers.

To encourage participation, organisers are offering a chance to win one of five lamb BBQ boxes, each valued at $200.

Those who register their barbecue at nationallambday.co.nz will automatically go in the draw.

A Celebration of Heritage

National Lamb Day commemorates New Zealand’s first frozen lamb shipment in 1882, a milestone that helped establish the country’s reputation as a world-class meat producer.

The event serves as a reminder of the farming industry’s contribution to the economy and local communities.

Jon Pemberton, chair of the National Lamb Day committee, expressed excitement about this year’s celebration.

“We’ve been working hard on the 2025 event, and it’s fantastic to see everything coming together—starting with a special barbecue at Parliament next Tuesday, attended by MPs from across the political spectrum as well as several agricultural industry leaders,” he said.

Rabobank, a principal partner of the event, is also hosting a barbecue at Parliament to bring awareness to the industry’s significance.

Rabobank CEO Todd Charteris welcomed the opportunity to take part.

“It’s great to see our nation’s leaders getting behind National Lamb Day and recognising the hard work of those behind our world-class lamb production. I’ll be joining in and helping with cooking the barbecue myself!”

FMG Chief Marketing Officer Pete Frizzell shared a similar sentiment, highlighting the event’s ability to unite the country.

“Our connection to National Lamb Day is about supporting rural communities while bringing the whole country together to celebrate,” he said.

How Coasties Can Get Involved

Looking for great lamb recipes? Click here

For more details or to enter, visit nationallambday.co.nz

With summer still in full swing, locals are encouraged to gather around the barbecue and throw some New Zealand lamb on the grill.

Whether hosting a backyard cook-up or a beachside feast, Coasties can register their barbecue online to take part in the celebration and go in the draw for the lamb prize packs.

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