Vote: NZ's hottest vegetarians

In the running for the veg crowns: Samantha Hayes, Gin Wigmore and Benny Tipene. Photos / Supplied

Amidst a growing trend of Kiwis going sans meat, New Zealand animal protection organisation SAFE has announced their annual list of vegetarian celebrities in the search for this year's hottest.

In time for World Veg Month, 2015's shortlist features musicians, TV presenters and a director who have found lighter, healthier lifestyles in vegetarianism.

The most recent member to ditch the steaks is TV presenter and entrepreneur Suzanne Paul who became a vegetarian last year.

"I think as I get older, I become more aware of the consequences of my behaviour - and I don't want animals to die because of me," says Paul.

"There are plenty of other things I can eat. I actually think my diet is more varied and interesting now that I don't rely on meat as an ingredient. My food always tastes good and fresh."

Musician Benny Tipene says in making the switch to vegetarianism he's felt "a lot lighter and healthier inside" as well as grown his awareness for animal welfare: "Animals are joyous. They feel and love just like we do."

Last year the green crowns went to Dark Horse director James Napier Robertson and actress Anna Paquin.

The 2015 nominees:

Samantha Hayes (TV presenter)
Gin Wigmore (musician)
Benny Tipene (musician)
James Cameron (director/vegan café owner)
Suzanne Paul (TV presenter and entrepreneur)
Lisa Crawley (musician)
Jesse Cooper (musician)

James Cameron and Suzanne Paul. Photos / Supplied

Lisa Crawley and Jesse Cooper. Photo / Supplied

Want to Go Veg?

Four reasons why you might like to consider a move to vegetarianism:

1. Trying vegetarian meals is a way to minimise harm and make positive ethical choices. A vegetarian on average, saves the lives of 96 animals every year; a vegan saves even more.

2. Plant-based eating is more efficient; utilising fewer resources such as land, water and energy, creating less pollution and harmful emissions.

3. A vegetarian diet is low in saturated fat, high in fibre, full of vitamins and cancer fighting compounds.

4. There are so many cafes and restaurants dedicating themselves to healthy and tasty plant based cuisine, such as Little Bird and Revive cafes and James Cameron's Greytown café and store Food Forest Organics, and most establishments offer vegetarian and vegan options.

SAFE's 30 day Big Veg Challenge kicks off on October 1st, guiding Kiwis through with recipes, tips, information and starter kits. Find out more here.