World Iron Awareness Week
About the campaign
World Iron Awareness Week raises awareness of iron deficiency anaemia and the important role that iron-rich foods play in a healthy diet. Red meat, including New Zealand beef and lamb, is one of the best dietary sources of haem iron, the form the body absorbs most readily.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand has led the World Iron Awareness Week campaign since 2015, bringing together supporters from public health, primary health organisations, the food industry, and academia. We encourage our supporters to bring the campaign to life in ways that feel genuine and tailored to their own audiences.
In 2025, support for the campaign grew by 113% from the previous year, with food producers, retailers, health professionals, NGOs, educators, and nutrition communicators all taking part. Together, these efforts promote the importance of maintaining healthy iron levels through nutrient-rich foods and, where needed, supplements.
Get moving with Iron to Move!
This World Iron Awareness Week, we’re teaming up with parkrun to get the whānau moving, learning and having a bit of fun with Iron to Move.
Come along for a morning of movement, good vibes and a little bit of iron know-how, all while enjoying parkrun together.
Register your interest below and we’ll see you there!
There are two events to choose from
Saturday 10 October
Cornwall Park
Saturday 17 October
Waitangi Park
Get involved
Whether you are a food producer, health professional, retailer, educator, or community organisation, there is a place for you in World Iron Awareness Week. Supporters have shared content on social media, run in-store promotions, hosted community events, and created recipes and educational content to help spread the message.
For campaign resources and to register as a supporter, visit ironweek.co.nz.
Past campaigns and activations
2025 Movement meets community
World Iron Awareness Week 2025 took to the Cornwall Park with parkrun for a fun family friendly event.
2024 Girl Skate x WIAW
We rolled out a nationwide campaign with the Girls Skates community to spotlight iron and active living.