Benny Tipene, Emmett Skilton named hottest Kiwi vegetarians

Emmett Skilton (top) and Benny Tipene (bottom) (Facebook)
Emmett Skilton (top) and Benny Tipene (bottom) (Facebook)

Singer Benny Tipene and actor Emmett Skilton have been crowned the nation's hottest celebrity vegetarians by animal rights group SAFE.

The Hotlist, a celebration of all great things veggie, was announced ahead of World Vegetarian Month, which begins on Saturday.

Tipene's been a vegetarian for seven years a Skilton made the shift five years ago.

"I've always had such a passion and empathy for animals and no longer wish to keep eating beautiful creatures that share the planet with us," Tipene says.

Skilton feels like he's doing his part to protect animals' welfare.

"Plus, I feel good."

Vegan vlogger Ela Gale, who frequently shares recipes on her YouTube channel, also got a nod.

"I am a huge advocate for being the change you want to see."

Newshub's Samantha Hayes was named the nation's hottest vegetarian last year, along with director James Cameron.

But SAFE's Hotlist doesn't just contain hot celebs - it's also a celebration of all things vegetarian.

Auckland café chain Little Bird Unbakery, found in Kingsland, Britomart and Ponsonby, was praised as the hottest veg eatery, while the hottest veggie pie went to Tart Bakery, also in Auckland.

But it was Christchurch that was named the hottest vegetarian area of New Zealand, with a wide range of eateries which cater to vegans and an active vegetarian community.

Little Island, which produces dairy-free milk and ice cream made from fair trade coconut cream, was awarded best business.

And just in time for World Vegetarian Month, SAFE has also released a free guide to how to switch to a vegetarian diet, as well as issuing a challenge for some omnivores to make the change for the month.

Newshub.