After returning from my first market visit to Europe as DINZ Markets Manager, I have been reflecting on the conversations, observations and lessons gathered over several weeks on the ground.

South Korean food and nutrition company hy (formerly Korea Yakult) has released a new deer velvet-based health functional food aimed at supporting muscle strength in older adults, marking the latest addition to a growing range of regulated health applications for New Zealand velvet. 

New Zealand farm-raised venison has made a strong impression at one of America's most prestigious military institutions, with a recent demonstration at the United States Military Academy at West Point resulting in an order for 1,500 kg of NZ venison through a US-based supplier.

The future of the deer industry was on full display recently as 28 competitors gathered at Peel Forest Estate for the second running of the Young Deer Farmer of the Year competition.

Quality assurance and traceability | In Brief: Wild deer control funding and more | Meet and Greet: Mat Krs | Young Deer Farmer Competition returns | Vietnam access | Cost of wild deer in Hawke’s Bay | US retail appetite for NZ venison grows | Hanpure backs NZ velvet | National Velvet Competition | Next Gen sparks fresh thinking for agronomist | Tech collars for deer? | El Niño is on its way | Weaner sale agreement a win-win for Hawke’s Bay farming families | Oraka takes weaners indoors for winter | Grass roots action at Riverslea | Battling lameness in weaner deer | Fifty years of deer farming | Recipe: Bourguignon pie

Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) invites expressions of interest for the role of Board Observer for 2027/28. The Board of Deer Industry New Zealand offers the opportunity for personal and professional development to a person with an interest in the deer sector to join the DINZ board in an observer capacity for 18 months.

Deer Industry New Zealand has released its State of the Industry: Mid-Year Update 2026 report, providing a snapshot of the key trends, opportunities and challenges shaping New Zealand's deer industry.