The Practice of Slaughtering Meat as Halal in New Zealand

When it comes to the production and export of meat in New Zealand, a significant portion of the meat sold is certified as halal. This is due to the country's substantial trade with Muslim countries and the compliance with Islamic law. This article explores why the meat, particularly lamb and beef, from New Zealand is typically zabihah or halal.

Adhering to Islamic Law for Halal Certification

New Zealand recognizes the importance of halal certification, especially when it comes to the market demands in the Middle East and other Islamic countries. By adhering to the standards of slaughter required in Islamic law, New Zealand does not only meet the exigencies of the Islamic market but also ensures a humane method of slaughtering. The question of why it is done should perhaps focus on why it is not done, given the humane principles involved.

A Complex Market Landscape

It is vital to clarify the market landscape in New Zealand when talking about halal certification. New Zealand is a diverse market where halal certified meat can be purchased. However, the bulk of meat sold in New Zealand is not tagged as halal or kosher. These meat products are primarily intended for non-Muslim and non-Jewish customers.

For those seeking halal meat in New Zealand, the options are limited to special stores dedicated to serving the halal market. These stores cater specifically to the community's needs, ensuring that the meat complies with Islamic dietary laws.

Practical Business Decision

Large meat production plants in New Zealand, like Taylor Preston in Wellington, have adopted a single halal processing line. This decision is driven by the efficient use of resources and the ability to serve a broader market. The logic is simple: while non-Muslims can consume halal meat, Muslims are strictly prohibited from eating non-halal meat. Therefore, processing all meat to meet halal standards ensures compliance and reduces the administrative overhead associated with managing different lines for different certifications.

The export market plays a significant role in this decision. New Zealand's largest meat exports to countries like Indonesia and the Middle East are halal certified. This market demand is a critical factor in the choice to maintain a single halal processing line.

Global Export Trends

New Zealand is one of the leading exporters of halal meat. This is evident in the New Zealand Meat Report. Approximately 98% of New Zealand's sheep and lamb, and 60% of its cattle, are slaughtered in accordance with Shariah law, making the meat halal. This is a testament to the significant demand in the Middle East and other Muslim-majority countries.

The ongoing trends in halal meat production in New Zealand are shaped by trade agreements. These agreements facilitate the export of meat to countries with substantial Muslim populations, reinforcing the importance of halal certification.

Closure

In conclusion, the practice of slaughtering meat as halal in New Zealand is driven by a combination of market demand, business efficiency, and compliance with Islamic dietary laws. While not a universal requirement in New Zealand, halal certification plays a crucial role in the export market, ensuring that the meat meets the standards of Islamic law and is ethically slaughtered.