More than a chop: National Lamb Day returns

AgProud chairperson Jon Pemberton (left) with National Lamb Day co-founder Pete Mcdonald. Supplied.

National Lamb Day will be marked again on 15 February, with organisers encouraging New Zealanders to get behind a day that’s about more than just what’s on the plate.

While lamb gives the day its name, chair of Ag Proud and the National Lamb Day committee Jon Pemberton says the focus is broader, celebrating New Zealand agriculture as a whole.

“This is no one’s day. It’s not Ag Proud’s day and it’s not the committee’s day. It’s about New Zealand coming together,” Pemberton says.

National Lamb Day marks the anniversary of the country’s first frozen lamb shipment in 1882, a turning point that helped shape the country’s farming sector.

“New Zealand agriculture was built on those exports,” Pemberton says.

He says lamb wasn’t the only product on board.

“There were other things in that boat as well,” he says. “There was dairy - even butter from a factory just a couple of minutes down the road from us here. The deeper you go into it, the more of the story there is.”

Field Days celebration

This year’s build-up will again include a strong presence at Southern Field Days in Waimumu.

On Friday, 13 February, National Lamb Day will be marked on site with national radio broadcasts, barbecues and on-site activity. Jay Reeve and Duncan Heyde from The Rock will be hosting throughout the day, with free lamb tastings for visitors.

“It worked well last year, so we’re doing it again,” Pemberton says.

The Field Days celebration leads into the official day on Sunday, when people are encouraged to mark the occasion in their own way – whether by firing up the barbecue or the roasting pan.

“Whether it’s lamb, beef, venison or pork, the Sunday roast or the barbecue is still a big part of it,” Pemberton says.

The Dining Guide will also return online, highlighting restaurants around the country serving lamb dishes for those choosing to eat out.

People are encouraged to spend the day with family or friends, register a barbecue, share photos using #NationalLambDay, or show their support by wearing a National Lamb Day T-shirt.

The T-shirt has become a familiar part of the event, with a different colour released each year. The 2026 shirt is khaki green.

“On farm, each year stock often has a different colour tag,” Pemberton says. “We’re doing the same thing with the T-shirts.”

Industry backing

Support from principal partners Rabobank and FMG returns in 2026, helping organisers build on the momentum of recent years.

“It takes a lot of volunteer time to make this happen,” Pemberton says. “Each year we get a bit more organised.”

He says backing from long-standing rural organisations makes a real difference.

 “Their support helps us celebrate farmers, producers and rural communities in a way that reflects the pride behind New Zealand lamb.”

Rabobank New Zealand chief executive Todd Charteris says National Lamb Day remains an important reminder of what sits behind the country’s food sector.

“National Lamb Day is an important reminder of the dedication behind New Zealand’s world-class food production, and we’re pleased to continue our support in 2026,” Charteris says.

Rabobank will also take part in the Southern Field Days celebrations, with lamb on offer for visitors at its marquee.

FMG chief marketing officer Pete Frizzell says the campaign aligns closely with FMG’s rural focus.

“Backing National Lamb Day aligns strongly with our commitment to rural communities, and we’re looking forward to another great year of celebrating Kiwi farmers,” Frizzell says.

For organisers, the aim is to keep National Lamb Day inclusive and low-key.

“It doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s about getting together,” Pemberton says.

National Lamb Day is held annually on 15 February. More information, including how to register a barbecue or order a T-shirt, is available at nationallambday.co.nz.