Vegetarian Living NZ – Summer Issue Out Now
EDITORIAL
I recently had the privilege of presenting our petition for clear and
accurate vegetarian and vegan food labelling to a Parliamentary Select Committee. It was a meaningful moment – not just for the NZVS, but for anyone who has ever stood in a supermarket aisle turning packet after packet over, trying to work out whether a product is truly suitable for their dietary requirements.
We highlighted a simple but important issue: food labelling needs to be transparent, consistent, and trustworthy. This isn’t only about a lifestyle choice – it matters for people with allergies, cultural or religious dietary needs, and for anyone trying to make ethical or health-conscious decisions. When labels are unclear, the burden shifts entirely to consumers, who must research ingredients or hope their interpretation is correct.
The Committee asked thoughtful questions, and there is a sense of real momentum on this issue. With a review of the Fair Trading Act currently underway, we have an opportunity to strengthen expectations around claims like ‘vegetarian’ and ‘vegan’ so they mean what people reasonably assume they mean. There is still work ahead, but the hearing left me hopeful and committed to continuing the conversation.
We start this edition with a practical guide on pages 2 & 3 to 18 plant-based “power foods” to help you feel confident about meeting your nutritional needs on a veg~n diet. On pages 6 & 7, we continue our collaboration with Doctors For Nutrition, exploring how small lifestyle habits contribute to heart health. It’s a reminder that wellbeing is something we build gradually, through what we do most of the time.
Keep reading on pages 8 & 9, where we speak with Jeanette Blackburn, long-time NZVS Executive Committee member and Vice President, who reflects on her journey with the Society and the evolution of vegetarian living in New Zealand.
One of my favourite moments each year is seeing the creativity from students in our Think Kind competition. It has now wrapped up for 2025, and the entries were thoughtful, bold, and full of heart.
The winning and runner-up projects are featured on pages 14 & 15.
On pages 16 & 17, we chat with Amber Bremner, author of Simply Veg, about creating meals that are flexible, flavourful, and family-friendly.
This issue also features a restorative retreat in Bali on pages 18 & 19. On page 20, we spotlight Project Jonah’s inspiring work training volunteers to rescue stranded marine mammals, followed by a tribute to the remarkable life of Jane Goodall on page 21.
As we head towards the end of the year, many of us begin to reflect on what challenged us, what changed us, and what we want to carry forward. I hope you find time to rest and enjoy the company of the people you love this holiday season!
- INA BABIC
editor@vegetarian.org.nz
Grab your copy here or become a member of NZVS and receive the magazine FREE, plus exclusive perks like discounts on Vegetarian Approved and Vegan Certified products.
