Majestic stag with fully developed hard antlers in natural landscape, demonstrating the growth cycle from velvet to hardened structure
Tradition
From Wilderness to Innovation: New Zealand Leads the World in Deer Farming
From Wilderness to Innovation: The Story of New Zealand Deer Farming That Changed the World
Today, hundreds of thousands of deer graze on the green pastures of New Zealand – forming the foundation of one of the world's most sustainable agricultural sectors and the source of premium New Zealand deer velvet. Few people realize, however, that this success story began as an ecological problem and was transformed through the courage and vision of several pioneers.
An Unwanted Guest Becomes a National Treasure
Deer are not native to New Zealand. They were imported from England and Scotland in the 19th century as game animals. Without natural predators, their population rapidly expanded and by the 20th century began threatening fragile local ecosystems.
"Nature sometimes offers solutions where we see only problems. The New Zealand deer story shows how an ecological challenge can transform into a sustainable opportunity."
Turning Point: From Problem to Opportunity
In the 1960s, it became apparent that the demand for quality venison could turn a problem into an opportunity. The first meat exports opened pathways to European and American markets. The real breakthrough came in the 1970s: instead of hunting for meat, entrepreneurs began capturing deer alive and establishing the first deer farms, which later led to the development of ethical deer velvet harvesting.
Bold Beginnings: Helicopters and Pioneers
Capturing deer in challenging mountain terrain was conducted using helicopters and specially trained teams. These legendary operations, combining the skills of pilots, mountaineers, and zoologists, laid the foundations for an entirely new industry.
The Birth of a World Power in Deer Farming
Professional deer farming gradually emerged. Beyond meat, another opportunity opened up – premium deer velvet, traditionally valued in Asia. The New Zealand approach, however, was founded on science, quality, and ethical standards from the beginning.
In the 1970s, the National Velvetting Standards Body (NVSB) was established, which to this day represents a globally recognized model for humane and regulated velvet harvesting and ensures the highest quality of New Zealand deer velvet.
Global Success Built on Sustainability and Innovation
Today, New Zealand is home to more than a million farm-raised deer and is the world's largest producer of deer velvet. What began as an ecological problem has evolved into a thriving industry that generates hundreds of millions of dollars and symbolizes sustainable management.
New Zealand deer farming is a story of transformation – from problem to solution, from wild beginnings to a sophisticated industry. It is also an example that respect for nature and innovation can go hand in hand.
Roanga Planet and the New Zealand Heritage
Roanga Planet products are premium dietary supplements with deer velvet exclusively from certified New Zealand farms, supporting this unique story of sustainability and ethical approach to natural resources.
New Zealand Deer Velvet: The Global Standard of Quality
When you choose Roanga Planet, you become part of this tradition – a tradition of innovation, respect for nature, and the pursuit of natural balance.
