Dato’ High Commissioner had on Wednesday, 10 March 2010, led the officials from the High Commission to visit Taylor Preston Abattoir located in Ngauranga Gorge, 10 minutes from New Zealand’s bustling capital. The visit was intended at experiencing first-hand the halal meat processes at a New Zealand’s abattoir. A halal inspector from the Federation of Islamic Association of New Zealand (FIANZ) was present throughout to brief the delegation about the halal conformity that Taylor Preston had to adhere to before their products could be certified as halal for export purposes.
Taylor Preston operates a modern export meat processing plant and its multi species plant process around 1,500,000 head of sheep, lambs, goats, calves, venison and beef annually. The company owned by the Taylor, Preston and Grace families have been involved in farming industry in New Zealand for around 150 years. The majority of livestock originates from Wairarapa, Manawatu, Rangitikei and Hawkes Bay. The company exports high quality meat to over 60 countries worldwide, including Malaysia, Indonesia, France, Spain, USA, UK, Japan, Switzerland, the Middle East and Mexico. The export to Malaysia is about NZ$30 million annually.
The visit was highly educational that enable a greater understanding of halal meat processes in New Zealand. The visit ended with a tour to FIANZ Headquarters for halal briefing and lunch.
High Commission of Malaysia in New Zealand
Wellington
21 March 2010