Govt confirms live exports to be banned from 2023

WELLINGTON: The Government has confirmed plans to ban live animal exports from 2023 — a move that has already drawn criticism from some in the industry.

However, animal rights groups have welcomed the move — Safe said the ban would mean animals would no longer suffer in countries with lower standards of animal welfare.

Yesterday, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor confirmed the ban would begin in 2023.

‘‘At the heart of our decision is upholding New Zealand’s reputation for high standards of animal welfare.

‘‘We must stay ahead of the curve in a world where animal welfare is under increasing scrutiny,’’ he said.

The ban will fully come into effect in 2023, after a twoyear phaseout period.

Live exports have made up about 0.2% of agriculture revenue since 2015.

Mr O’Connor said the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) had been working on the policy since 2019.

World Animal Protection New Zealand executive director Simone Clarke thanked the Government for agreeing to phase out the ‘‘abhorrent’’ trade.

‘‘The New Zealand Government’s announcement to phase out live exports in the coming years is a significant moment in our history for animals, one which other governments around the world must now follow, including Australia.’’

However, the move has not been welcomed by all.

Act New Zealand primary industries spokesman Mark Cameron said it was a ‘‘kick in the guts’’ to the rural sector.

‘‘This ban won’t improve animal welfare because live exports from New Zealand will be replaced by exports from other countries with lower animal welfare standards.’’

Animal Genetics Trade Association spokesman Dave Hayman said it was ‘‘morally and practically unjustified’’.

The live animal export trade, according to the association, is worth half a billion dollars.

‘‘This is an illinformed, massively consequential decision for the nation, to earn shortterm political brownie points from a few activists.

‘‘There is no morality in removing half a billion dollars from our economy and forcing the early deaths of up to 150,000 animals a year.’’

Not everyone is opposed to the ban. ‘‘It’s a trade whose time has come, it’s a trade we should have got out of years ago,’’ former MPI head of animal welfare John Hellstrom said.

Safe chief executive Debra Ashton said although she supported the ban, the twoyear wait was problematic.

‘‘Hundreds of thousands of cows could be exported during that time.’’

Last year, nearly 110,000 cattle were exported to China — a nearly threefold increase from the year before.

Mr O’Connor said officials spoke to key trading partners about the decision.

‘‘During the transition period, exporters will meet the extra requirements that we introduced following the independent Heron report . . . after the tragic loss of the Gulf Livestock 1 in September 2020.’’

There have been no livestock exports for slaughter since 2008. — The New Zealand Herald