So my original question to NZ Customs (MPI) was:
"Hi,
Greetings from Melbourne Australia.
A few of us are planning a hiking trip to NZ in April. We cook and then dehydrate our own hiking dinners, and would like to know if we can bring these to NZ for our hike. Our dinners are typically meat based, and are dehydrated to the point where they resemble dry gravel.
Thanks"
And their reply was:
"Home-made meals containing meat are not allowed entry. They must meet the below requirements to be considered entry into the country.
2.2
Animal product-based floss, flavouring or stock and any products containing animal product-based floss, flavouring or stock (for example: instant foods, camping mixes and soup mixes) may be imported from any country provided all of the following requirements are met:
a) The product is shelf-stable.
b) The product does not require further cooking before consumption, but may require rehydration or reheating prior to consumption.
c) The total weight of private consignments of camping meals containing meat pieces is 1 kilogram or less.
2.21
Products containing less than 5% meat ingredients may be imported from any country provided all of the following requirements are met:
a) The product is shelf-stable.
b) The product must be:
i) Accompanied by a manufacturer’s declaration, which certifies that the product contains less than 5% meat ingredients; or
ii) In commercial packaging that states the product contains less than 5% meat ingredients.
All items arriving into New Zealand must be declared -on a passenger arrival card at the airport or postal declaration documents on mail items. A Quarantine Officer may need to look at the items.
Note that this email is not a guarantee that your goods will be given clearance. It is a guide only and is based on the details you have provided and the current import requirements which are subject to change. The Ministry for Primary Industries disclaims any and all responsibility for any inaccuracy, error, or any other deficiency in this information, and also fully excludes any and all liability to the maximum extent permitted by law of any kind to any person or entity that chooses to rely upon the information. For more information on importation requirements please visit
http://mpi.govt.nzFrom IHS Ediproic
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/1751Regards"