New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries — Halal Export Assurance

The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is the government body responsible for administering New Zealand's halal export assurance programme, which oversees the approval and operation of halal certification organisations authorised to certify New Zealand meat and agricultural exports for Muslim consumer markets. MPI operates similarly to Australia's AGAHP framework, approving Islamic organisations — principally FIANZ (Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand) — to provide halal supervision and certification for New Zealand meat processing plants. New Zealand is a major global exporter of halal lamb, mutton, beef, and venison, with key markets in Saudi Arabia (which recognises FIANZ as the sole authorised New Zealand certifier), Kuwait, Indonesia, Malaysia, and UAE. MPI's government-backed halal export framework gives New Zealand's halal certificates high regulatory credibility with importing country authorities. MPI halal certifications are recognised by JAKIM, MUIS, SFDA, and Kuwait standards authorities.