Want a New Zealand ham this Christmas? Order early and check the label

Media Release

4 November 2026

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NZPork is encouraging shoppers who want a New Zealand ham this Christmas to order early and check the label, as a ham made in New Zealand, or sold under a familiar ‘Kiwi’ brand, is not necessarily made from New Zealand pork.

“A New Zealand ham is a delicious way to celebrate Christmas and support our pig farmers. If that’s what you want on your table, now is a good time to ask your butcher or supermarket and place your order,” says NZPork chair Mark Hooper.

“Around 60per cent of the pork eaten in New Zealand is imported. Almost all fresh pork in the supermarket is from New Zealand, but it’s a different story for bacon and ham, where imported pork is widely used. Ordering early gives you time to find a ham made from New Zealand-born-and-raised pork.

“The key is to check where the pig was raised, not just where the ham was made. Country-of-origin labelling has applied to fresh and thawed bacon and ham since2022, and to frozen products since 2023.

“The origin statement must be clear and legible, but it doesn’t have to be on the front of the pack - so a ham can say ‘Made in New Zealand’ on the front, with a list of possible countries the pork has been sourced from in small print on the back.

“You can choose a New Zealand ham with confidence by making a couple of simple checks. Look for the country-of-origin statement on the pack or the sign beside the product.

“Choose a ham that says the pork was born and raised in New Zealand, lists New Zealand as the only country where the pigs were raised, or carries NZPork’s ‘100% NZ’ ham or PigCare label. If several possible countries are listed, that doesn’t confirm New Zealand origin. If you’re not sure, ask your retailer for help.”

The PigCare label also assures shoppers that the pork comes from New Zealand farms accredited under the industry’s animal welfare assurance programme.

“Choosing New Zealand-born-and-raised pork supports local farmers,” says Mr Hooper.

“New Zealand pork is produced to high standards compared with many other countries, which have less rigorous welfare and environmental rules.”

Published product information for two of New Zealand’s biggest brands illustrates why shoppers should check individual products rather than rely on a brand’s New Zealand identity.

Hellers uses ‘NZ’s Butcher’ branding, but its Sliced Ham off the Bone product page lists pork raised in any one or more of Canada, Denmark, Germany, Spain and the USA. Hellers also offers a separate NZ Free Farmed ham range.

Beehive promotes ‘NZ’s most delicious’ meats, while its Champagne Ham product page lists pork from pigs raised in one or more of 14 countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, the UK, Spain, Sweden and the USA. New Zealand is not on that list.

NZPork research shows 88 per cent of New Zealanders believe ‘Made in NZ’ should mean the animal was born and raised here.

Mr Hoope  rsaid the Government had acknowledged NZPork’s concerns that some branding may give shoppers a misleading impression about whether pork was raised in New Zealand, but had ruled out changing the law.

“Parliament’s Regulations Review Committee has recommended the Government consider changing the rules to avoid labelling that may confuse shoppers about where pork comes from.

“Country-of-origin labelling for pork products, including bacon and ham, must be clear, accurate, prominent and enforceable, so shoppers can easily tell where their pork comes from. We want the incoming Government to tackle this issue head on.”