MEDIA RELEASE

September 30th, 2013

New Zealand's Hottest Vegetarians Named

New Zealand’s hottest vegetarian celebrities have been named by animal advocacy group SAFE. Just in time for World Vegetarian Day (1st October), Kiwi actors Cliff Curtis and Michelle Langstone have been crowned the edgy leaders in a growing group of Kiwi actors, musicians, politicians, designers and sports people opting for a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

Hollywood heartthrob Cliff Curtis, perhaps best known on our shores for his parts in Once Were Warriors and Whale Rider, has also starred in Collateral Damage with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Training Day with Denzel Washington.

Cliff believes it’s fun and interesting to be vegetarian.

“Although I loved the taste of meat I don't miss it and I feel better about not killing to eat. It makes me more conscious of how I am living my life and more responsible about my health in general. Ultimately, I feel more peaceful and harmonious than I did in the past."

Michelle Langstone is a formidable opponent for any God in her part as the athletic and sexy Love Goddess in The Almighty Johnsons. She has also appeared in Go Girls and Shortland Street. Michelle is a huge advocate for animals, regularly speaking out against animal cruelty. She has been vegetarian for the greater part of twenty years.

Michelle became a vegetarian after a long drive when she was stuck behind a cattle truck for five hours.

“After seeing the distress of the animals, I decided that was it for me and I didn’t want to contribute harm because of my actions.”

“I am proud to be named amongst New Zealand's high-profile vegetarians. It's good for animals and it benefits us too. I have never felt as healthy and happy as I have since becoming a vegetarian.”

Other high profile vege Kiwis include natural bodybuilder champion Dusan Dudas, journalist Samantha Hayes, actor Emmett Skilton, X-Factor finalist Benny Tipene and singer Gin Wigmore.

In addition to helping animals, vegetarians help the environment too. Reports by the Ministry for the Environment show that farmed animals are a major contributor to New Zealand greenhouse gas emissions and have resulted in our being rated 11th in the world for per capita greenhouse emissions.

SAFE Promotions Manager Amanda Sorrenson says there is no more relevant time to reduce meat intake than now.

She says vegetarians also safeguard their own health. A balanced vegetarian or vegan diet can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of some cancers, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. “Going vegetarian is a great step; for the animals, for the environment and for yourself!” We’d encourage Kiwis to give the hottest diet on the planet a go right now”

Visit www.goveg.org.nz to take the pledge to go veg for 30 days and receive delicious recipes, helpful tips and informative ways to live a healthy and compassionate lifestyle.

ENDS

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