Hamilton, 1 July 2024
The Animal Justice Party (AJP) is puzzled by Agriculture Associate Minister Andrew Hoggard's announcement regarding
public consultation on achieving high animal welfare standards throughout the live export process. It is unclear how
meaningful feedback can be provided on proposals that are fundamentally flawed and unachievable.
New Zealand has set a new standard of animal welfare by introducing the ban, a legacy we are immensely proud of and must
uphold. Reinstating live export with promises of high standards is akin to reversing women's voting rights while
claiming to protect their well-being—a notion that is both absurd and unacceptable. High animal welfare cannot coexist
with live exports.
Minister Hoggard and Federated Farmers argue that live exports were a significant revenue source for farmers and should
be reinstated. However, this view neglects the substantial impact on New Zealand’s reputation as a global leader in
animal welfare. Our clean, green image is worth billions and is a critical asset in international trade, particularly
with markets like the United Kingdom and the European Union. Disturbing images and reports of mistreatment during live
exports can damage this reputation, as demonstrated by Australia's experiences.
On top of that, the economic argument for live exports is significantly overstated. Live exports constitute only 0.6
percent of New Zealand’s primary sector exports. The financial impact of maintaining the ban is minimal compared to the
potential damage to our reputation and subsequent economic consequences if the ban is lifted.
The ‘Gold Standard’ for live exports fails to acknowledge the inherent suffering animals endure during long-distance
transport. Changing standards doesn’t alter the journey's length. Improvements in shipping conditions cannot mitigate
the fundamental issues of stress, injury, disease, and the psychological impact of extended voyages. Unpredictable
weather conditions, as seen in the tragic sinking of the Gulf Livestock 1 in 2020, further exacerbate these problems as
well as climate change causing more extreme weather. The proposed welfare standards are insufficient to prevent such
tragedies.
Welfare concerns extend beyond the sea voyage. Upon arrival, animals are no longer protected by New Zealand’s Animal
Welfare Act, exposing them to harsh conditions in countries with lower welfare standards. Most live exports are destined
for China, which lacks comprehensive animal welfare laws, as indicated by its low Animal Protection Index rating.
Reversing the ban consigns animals to environments with inadequate care and increased suffering, undermining our ethical
standards and international reputation. NZ live animal exporters are unable to influence how animals are treated once
they disembark on foreign soil, even though it has been suggested otherwise.
AJP will work to create global pressure as other countries moving towards bans don't want to see NZ go backwards. Rob
McNeil, Executive President comments "We are in talks with global animal organisations and political parties from around
the world. The world is watching, and we cannot go backwards."
Reversing the live export ban holds huge risk. What's next—what else can we go backwards on? Upholding the ban aligns
with our commitment to humane practices and maintains our reputation as a leader in animal welfare.About the Animal Justice Party Aotearoa NZ
AJP was registered in August 2023.
AJP is a political party dedicated to advocating for the rights, welfare, and protection of animals. Their mission is to
create a society where animals are treated with respect, compassion, and consideration. Through active participation in
the political landscape, they aim to drive policy changes that reflect their commitment to a more ethical and
sustainable future.