The Vegan Society of Aotearoa New Zealand is joining the global Veganuary movement in January 2026, urging New Zealanders to see plant-based eating not as a niche lifestyle choice, but as a practical solution to the climate, health and food security crises facing our future.

Veganuary, a worldwide initiative encouraging people to try a fully plant-based diet for the month of January, now spans more than 220 countries and territories, with millions of people participating each year. Independent analyses of previous Veganuary campaigns show that large-scale dietary shifts away from animal products can deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, land use and water consumption in just one month.

“Meat is stealing our future,” says the Vegan Society of Aotearoa New Zealand. “Our food system is one of the biggest drivers of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Veganuary offers a simple, collective action that people everywhere can take right now — three meals a day, for one month — that genuinely makes a difference.”

A food system under pressure

Globally, animal agriculture is responsible for a substantial share of food-related emissions, with red meat and dairy among the most emissions-intensive foods. Research consistently shows that shifting towards plant-based diets can reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50 per cent or more, while also easing pressure on land and freshwater resources.

For Aotearoa New Zealand, where agricultural emissions dominate the national emissions profile, the conversation about food cannot be avoided.

“Veganuary reframes the climate discussion from sacrifice to solution,” says the Society. “It’s not about perfection or permanence — it’s about participation. When millions of people act together, the collective impact is powerful.”

A Kiwi-led challenge for New Zealanders

Alongside the international Veganuary campaign, the Vegan Society of Aotearoa New Zealand is offering its own Kiwi-focused Veganuary Challenge, providing local recipes, nutrition guidance, and practical support tailored to New Zealand households.

https://vegansociety.org.nz/veganuary-2026-join-aotearoas-plant-based-movement/

“Our role is to make this accessible, realistic and supportive,” says the Society. “You don’t have to change everything forever. You just have to start.”

The Society encourages media, businesses and community organisations to amplify Veganuary 2026 and help normalise plant-based eating as a positive, future-focused response to climate change.

“Every January, Veganuary shows us what’s possible,” the Society says. “Imagine the impact if we treated our food choices as part of the climate solution — because they are.”

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