New Zealand velvet has long been respected in global markets — valued for its purity, quality, and ethical origin. Today, that reputation is both an opportunity and a responsibility. In markets like China and South Korea, expectations are evolving. Buyers want to know: Where did this velvet come from? Was it harvested legally and ethically? Can I trust the system behind it? 

If you have noticed a number of celebrities losing weight quickly, particularly in the American market, there is a strong possibility that a new family of drug – known as GLP-1 agonists – are responsible. Brands such as Ozempic and Wegovy, the latter recently made available with prescription in the New Zealand market, have the potential to significantly disrupt the food and beverage market the world over. 

Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) today reported the Year 1 results of its North American Retail Accelerator (NARA) programme for New Zealand venison, with the first year of the three-year programme delivering $25.9 million in FOB export revenue sold into retail channels, against a project objective of $10.4 million annually by the end of Year 3.

The industry has taken another step forward in preparing for a more structured, transparent and credible deer velvet export system. At its 16 July 2025 meeting in Cambridge, the DINZ Board confirmed several key decisions, acting on behalf of the sector in response to growing calls for change.

In this webinar, Wormwise programme lead and North Island vet Ginny Dodunski talked about parasite lifecycles, management practices you can implement, tools you can use, and specific parasites you should keep an eye on in your area.

Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) welcomes two new directors and returns one director to the DINZ Board after the conclusion of the selection and appointment process, with producer appointments confirmed yesterday.

Following constructive discussion at the Industry Conference in Queenstown, a dedicated Export Licensing Working Group (ELWG) was formed. It is now actively evaluating the merits of export licensing for velvet.

On 29 May, the coalition Government started the formal consultation process to reform national direction under the Resource Management Act (RMA). Luka Jansen, Environmental Stewardship Manager at Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ), is urging all deer farmers to get involved as they know best what works on the ground – and what doesn’t.

DINZ Market Activation Manager Virginia Connell attended the National Restaurant Association tradeshow – with its 12 (American) football fields of exhibition space – in mid-May and provides a recap here.

Market visits and MOUs | Deer farmer’s edible wrap nets global interest and more | Meet and Greet: Rusty Andrews | India FTA an opportunity for NZ venison and velvet? | New bill could benefit deer milk processors | Conference Roundup | NZDFA: Die-hards | Apiti move opens door for next generation | IFP project on a roll | Southern winter management reminders | CSA deer fencing helps keep waterways clean | Royal recognition | Reindeer farming in Norway | Animal Health: To scan or not to scan? | Venison ragout with berries