New data from the New Zealand Health Survey shows that despite the rise in plant-based diets and environmentally friendly food trends, there are very few true vegetarians and vegans in New Zealand. The survey found that 93% of New Zealanders eat red meat.
The study, co-authored by Kathryn Bradbury from the University of Auckland’s School of Population Health, used a strict definition of vegetarianism, requiring participants to completely exclude all forms of meat from their diet. This definition resulted in a lower rate of vegetarianism than previous studies, which had less strict criteria.
Bradbury noted that while she suspected New Zealanders had reduced their red meat consumption, there was a lack of data to confirm this. She also highlighted the need for more up-to-date information on the population’s eating habits to develop effective health policies.
The survey also found that vegans and vegetarians were more likely to be younger, thinner, and have lower blood pressure than meat eaters. People with a tertiary qualification were more likely to be vegan, vegetarian or exclude red meat from their diet than those without. Additionally, Pasifika and Asian people were more likely to avoid red meat or be vegan/vegetarian than NZ Europeans.
