Tuesday, 12 December 2023 08:55

Live animal exports worth $500m

Written by Sudesh Kissun

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Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says the new Government will be working to overturn the ban on live exports.

Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson says live exports of animals is a $500m trade that the country cannot afford to do without.

Patterson says the new Government will be working to overturn the ban placed by the former Labour Government.

"We will tidy up legislation so that animal welfare and safety of staff are paramount," he says.

Live cattle exports earn about $320 million annually for farmers and exporters. NZ cattle exports have helped China build their dairy herd, with nearly 135,000 cattle exported in 2021.

However, in April this year, labour banned livestock exports after an independent review said they could damage New Zealand's reputation regarding animal welfare. The reversal of the livestock exports ban is part of the coalition deal between National and NZ First. ACT also supports lifting the ban.

Dairy News understands new legislation around reversing the ban could be tabled in Parliament by the middle of next year.

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