Red Meat Sector Conference 2026 set to tackle change head-on

New Zealand’s red meat sector will come together in spring 2026 for the annual Red Meat Sector Conference, bringing industry leaders, policymakers and supply chain partners together to discuss the key issues shaping the sector.

The conference, hosted by the Meat Industry Association (MIA) and delivered in partnership with Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), will be held at Tākina in Wellington on 28-29 September 2026.

MIA Independent Chair Nathan Guy said the event comes at a time when the operating environment for the sector is complex and fast-moving.

“The sector is navigating global uncertainty, the flow-on impacts of the conflict in the Middle East, shifting market dynamics and ongoing cost pressures.

“We’re also celebrating some key milestone and achievements such as the India-NZ Free Trade Agreement and strong underlying demand for our beef and lamb from across the globe.

“This conference is about taking stock and focusing on where we to next for a sector that produce quality nutritious protein for the world and underpins regional communities and the New Zealand economy.

“This will be a great opportunity to hear directly from across the value chain and ensure we are aligned on the priorities that will strengthen the sector into the future.

“Getting people together in one place allows for the kind of conversations that don’t happen anywhere else.”

Registrations and the sponsorship prospectus are available here, with further details on speakers and the programme will be released in the coming weeks.