Public consultation on the Government’s plan to reinstate live animal exports by sea is set to start in the coming months.

Live animal exports were banned last year under the previous Labour Government. The coalition Government is expected to introduce legislation to Parliament to reinstate exports in early 2025, saying they would only start once “strengthened welfare standards” were developed.

Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard acknowledged there was “significant interest” in the work and encouraged people to make submissions.

Labour trade spokesman Damien O’Connor with anti-live export campaigners during the petition handover at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

This week, a petition signed by more than 57,000 people urging the coalition Government to keep the ban in place was handed over to former Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor, who put the ban in place.

Hoggard said the value of livestock exports by sea was more than $300 million in 2022.

“This is not insignificant. I believe there is an opportunity to expand our live export potential and support the growth of our primary industries, and rural communities,” he said.

“Live exports will only commence once strengthened welfare standards are developed and in effect to protect New Zealand’s reputation as a responsible exporter and international trade obligations.”

Reinstating livestock exports would require an amendment to the Animal Welfare Act 1999, Hoggard said. Officials were developing a discussion document to be released before September.

The public consultation process would seek feedback on what changes were necessary to the Animal Welfare Act, how to achieve high animal welfare standards throughout the export process, and how to protect New Zealand’s reputation as a responsible exporter and international trade obligations, he said.

Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard. Photo / Alex Burton

“I understand animal welfare is a top priority for all Kiwis. It’s vital, and in fact non-negotiable, that the new standards are in place before the trade is restarted. Hearing a range of voices will help us to understand how we can best achieve this.”

Labour to reinstate ban if elected

Labour said it would reinstate the live exports ban if it was re-elected, saying the sector was on “shaky ground” and “most New Zealanders” did not want the ban overturned.

“The world is changing. Other countries like the UK and Australia have followed New Zealand’s lead and moved to ban live exports,” Labour animal welfare spokeswoman Rachel Boyack said.

“Reinstating this practice will take New Zealand backwards.”

O’Connor, who is Labour’s trade spokesman, said much of the country’s international trade relied on New Zealand maintaining good animal welfare standards.

“For example, the UK and EU Free Trade Agreements include animal welfare provisions. Restarting live exports could put these agreements and the huge benefit they bring to New Zealand at risk.”

Julia Gabel is a Wellington-based political reporter. She joined the Herald in 2020 and has most recently focused on data journalism.