Imagine a simple choice you make at the dinner table that’s good for your health, your wallet, and the planet. That’s the heart of World Vegetarian Month, a vibrant celebration kicking off in New Zealand on October 1st!
While we face big challenges like climate change and the cost of living, the NZ Vegetarian Society (NZVS) wants to remind us that choosing a more plant-based diet is a straightforward, positive step we can all take. It’s a way to feel good and do good, right from your own kitchen.
“The shift we’ve seen in New Zealand has been massive, with more delicious plant-based options popping up every year,” says NZVS President, Julia Clements. “But World Vegetarian Month is a vital reminder that choosing vegetarianism or veganism is still one of the most important things we can do to respond to the climate issues facing us. We encourage everyone to give the lifestyle a go and discover all the benefits for themselves!”
The Kids Are Leading the Way!
Perhaps the most inspiring part of the month is the Think Kind student competition. This annual event encourages young Kiwis from Year 0 to Year 13 to share their brilliant ideas on how we can show kindness to animals, our planet, and each other.
The competition received hundreds of exceptional submissions from students around the motu, from heartfelt essays to creative inventions and beautiful artwork. Now, it’s our turn to have a say! Public voting for the top 10 finalists opens on World Vegetarian Day (October 1st) and runs all month long on the NZVS website.
By casting your vote, you help one clever school win the $1,000 People’s Choice Award, kindly co-sponsored by Quorn and the NZVS. The winner will be announced on World Vegan Day, November 1st, 2025. It’s a wonderful chance to celebrate and support the next generation’s vision for a kinder, healthier future.
Ready to Try the Plant-Based Life?
If you’ve ever thought about eating less meat but didn’t know where to start, the NZVS has made it easy and rewarding. They’re inviting everyone to sign up for their 21 Day Plant-Based Challenge. This simple commitment is designed to make the transition fun and delicious, offering support every step of the way.
As soon as you sign up, you’ll receive free, invaluable resources like easy-to-follow recipes, detailed nutritional guides, and practical tips to support your journey. You’ll also get a whole year’s membership to the NZVS, including their informative quarterly Vegetarian Living NZ magazine.
And here’s a sweet deal just for Kiwis: just for signing up, Hell Pizza is giving every entrant a voucher for a tasty, complimentary plant-based treat! The membership itself also unlocks an exclusive booklet packed with fantastic discounts from amazing, local, Vegetarian Approved and Vegan Certified brands like Proper Crisps, Cookie Time, The Veggie Tree, and many more, helping your healthy choice become an affordable one too.
World Vegetarian Month—which includes World Animal Day on October 4th and ends with World Vegan Day on November 1st—is the perfect time to explore the many benefits of a delicious, plant-focused plate. Why not take the challenge and see how great you feel?
