Raw milk fans unite

Raw milk drinkers Jenny Lux and her son Simon Gillies, 7. 06 July 2015 Daily Post photograph by Stephen Parker

Rotorua raw milk drinkers are uniting against proposed regulations to their favourite unpasteurised and unhomogenised drop.

Jenny Lux is a spokeswoman for the 500-strong Real Milk Club, who have decided to lobby the Government against proposed law changes.

From March next year, raw milk can be sold to consumers from the farm or through home deliveries, with no limit on the amount, but Ms Lux says this inconveniences the farmer and the consumer.

Ms Lux buys her milk from Horohoro farmer Tom Winiata, who delivers pre-ordered raw, organic milk to several drop-off locations around the district, as well as providing milk to Miraka.

The former ecologist said she enjoys the flavour of raw milk, and believes it has health benefits for herself and her family.

And she is not alone in her beliefs.

Mr Winiata said he sold between 1500 to 1800 litres of raw, organic milk produced on his 186ha dairy farm to around 500 customers in the spring.

He said his raw milk operation would not be able to function should the changes come into effect.
"I won't be able to do it and it will be difficult for customers really. It will heavily minimise the business."

He said there was a strong urban demand for raw milk, and he had submitted to Parliament on the proposed regulations in 2011 and 2013.

Ms Lux said the Government was being risk averse.

"They are trying to reduce the consumption of raw milk by urban consumers.

"Mountain biking has a lot of risks associated with it but people still go out in the forest because we know it's good for your health.

"All products have potential diseases.

"I trust Tom and I think it is important to support local business. We have watched his business grow and I really support what he is trying to do. I want more research done into raw milk and what its significant risks are."