The coalition government is to reform the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.
Both ACT and NZ First negotiated reform of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee’s (NAWAC) functions, membership and mandate as part of the government’s coalition agreement, a point made by Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard in his letter of expectation to the committee chair, Dr Matthew Stone.
The reform process, intended to ensure the committee is still relevant, is not yet completed, he writes.
Hoggard directs NAWAC to reprioritise the order of its reviews, consider the practicality and the economic impact of its decisions on the relevant sectors, and says he expects the committee to meaningfully engage with those who will be affected by any changes.
Hoggard acknowledges the importance of NAWAC’s role and that New Zealand continues to rank highly for animal standards.
However, in addition to considering good practice, scientific knowledge and technology in proposed changes to welfare codes, “it may consider” relevant practicality and economic impacts.
The minister noted concerns from the pig and dairy cattle industries that aspects of NAWAC’s new codes of welfare are not practical or economically viable.
He reminded the committee that its decisions impose obligations on owners and managers of animals.
“As such it is in line with the principles of good regulatory practice to consider if those legal obligations are practical (for example certain, feasible, workable) and proportional (the costs being imposed are proportional to the anticipated benefits).”
Hoggard says it is his expectation NAWAC will in the future give greater regard to the feasibility and financial outlay of its decisions, such as capital expenditure on infrastructure or additional costs driven by changing practices or processes.
“It is not intended that inclusion of these criteria override welfare requirements, but they do need to be considered where relevant to ensure any proposed minimum standard or regulation is workable.”
Hoggard stressed the need for NAWAC to engage “openly, positively and in a genuine way” with all stakeholders, especially those affected by changes to animal welfare standards.
“While all perspectives need to be considered by NAWAC when determining its proposals, I want to be satisfied that those who will be affected by any changes feel their voices are heard and their concerns are given due consideration.”
Hoggard also wants current code of welfare reviews for dairy, deer, sheep and beef cattle to be prioritised and current work paused on codes for rabbits, companion animals “and any opinion pieces the committee is considering”.
A review of the poultry codes should be NAWAC’s next priority, he says.
