It’s official, lamb will take centre stage on Kiwi Christmas tables this year.

In an online survey of more than 1100 New Zealanders, 42% said lamb would be the hero protein of their main Christmas meal, well ahead of pork or ham (30%) and beef (13%).

Retail Meat New Zealand president Reuben Sharples said the results demonstrated lamb’s enduring position in Kiwi hearts as the go-to meat for memorable days like Christmas.

“Christmas is about celebrating food, family and traditions, and New Zealand lamb remains at the heart of that. It’s fantastic to see that so many people continue to choose lamb as the centrepiece of their Christmas Day feast.”

The annual Christmas survey, run by Retail Meat New Zealand, now in its eighth year, offered a snapshot of Kiwi festive traditions.

Barbecue remains a favourite, ranking in the top three out of a recent survey.

Traditional roast meals remained the clear favourite (49%), though barbecues continued to be a strong part of the Kiwi Christmas identity, chosen by more than a third of respondents.

Most meals would be cooked in the oven (59%), but the barbecue wasn’t far behind (38%).

Potatoes (91%) and mixed salads (79%) top the list of sides, followed by kumara (59%), carrots (54%), broccoli (43%) and peas (42%). And when it comes to dessert, pavlova remains the nation’s standout favourite (71%), with trifle (46%) and strawberries with ice cream (42%) also strong contenders.

Christmas Day for most Kiwis was about togetherness.

An overwhelming 88% say spending time with family is the most important part of the day, followed by food (29%) and the festive spirit (27%).

Opening presents (80%), backyard games (49%), watching movies (42%) and beach walks (35%) are among the top activities.

Sharples added family and food go hand-in-hand at Christmas, but no one should be stuck in the kitchen slaving over food.

“Whether you’re eating a leg of lamb, a turkey or a ham, butchers are ready to help you make your Christmas easy and delicious.”

-Content suppled by Retail Meats New Zealand.