Live animal exports from New Zealand are poised to resume, subject to new ‘gold standard’ requirements aimed at enhancing animal welfare and safety. This development follows commitments from National, ACT, and NZ First during election campaigning to reverse the ban on live exports while implementing improved welfare standards. The new government has confirmed its intention to lift the ban, potentially resuming trade by mid-2024.
Richard McIntyre, Federated Farmers Dairy Chair, expressed satisfaction with the government’s decision to follow through on its campaign commitment.
He highlighted the significance of live exports as a substantial income source for farmers, especially during challenging domestic market conditions and environmental issues like droughts. Live exports have historically been lucrative for New Zealand, generating around $300-$400 million annually, with a spike to $524 million last year due to the impending ban.
The 2021 Regulatory Impact Statement by the previous government acknowledged the role of livestock exports in providing financial benefits to farmers by diversifying income streams and offering premium prices and earlier returns on investment. In the decade leading up to 2021, approximately 5000 farmers across New Zealand supplied breeding cattle for export.
McIntyre also welcomed the introduction of stronger welfare standards, emphasising the importance of maintaining high welfare standards for exported animals to protect New Zealand’s international reputation and uphold community standards.
A 1 News Verian poll in October revealed that 51% of Kiwis supported the continuation of the live export ban, which came into effect in April 2023. However, 30% were in favour of resuming the trade with increased animal welfare and safety standards.
McIntyre pointed out that the average New Zealander might not be fully aware of the industry-initiated ‘NZ Gold Standard’ animal welfare precautions proposed as a condition for restarting live cattle and sheep exports.
Mark Willis, Chairman of Live Export NZ (LENZ), described the Gold Standard criteria, including post-arrival care and sustained monitoring in the destination countries, as unmatched internationally. Independent research commissioned by LENZ in September last year found that 59% of respondents preferred raising industry standards over banning live animal exports.
McIntyre noted that while New Zealand had imposed a ban, other countries continued live animal exports, likely filling the demand gap left by New Zealand. He stressed that few countries matched New Zealand’s pre-ban animal welfare standards, let alone the proposed enhancements.
Comparative figures show that New Zealand’s live cattle exports were significantly lower than other countries. For instance, in 2019, New Zealand exported 39,700 live cattle, while Australia exported 1.77 million, the EU over a million, Brazil 535,289, Canada 746,300, and Mexico 205,230. The situation for sheep and goats showed similar ratios.
Willis and McIntyre believe that New Zealand’s continued involvement in live exports with high welfare standards could influence other countries to improve their practices. McIntyre also addressed the misconception that live export results in the loss of New Zealand’s best genetics, clarifying that farmers typically sell surplus stock while retaining the best genetics for themselves.
LENZ has argued for revising the previous regulations to better fit the modern world. Willis noted that the industry had worked closely with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) during the transition period to improve animal welfare outcomes. He anticipates that legislation could be ready for Parliament by April next year, with the export trade potentially restarting around August.
Farmers are reportedly eager to resume live animal exports, recognizing the opportunities in this sector. Willis emphasised the need for an export licensing system that allows MPI to impose conditions on exporters and manage licences effectively.
