Editorial: Live Exports Dead in the Water

This has always been a contentious issue, supported by a number of (not all) farmers, those directly involved in the trade, and particularly the ACT Party. But equally strong has been the opposition from animal rights groups and the Labour Party. Some veterinarians have supported the continuation of live exports, while others have opposed it.

A strong advocate of restoring live exports under a new code of compliance and so-called 'gold standard' has been ACT MP Andrew Hoggard, himself a dairy farmer. He promised to have the ban overturned by 2025, but for several months there have been murmurings in coalition political circles that such a move could negatively affect their chances at this year's election.

Past images of animals on ships in appalling conditions could cost votes regardless of what evidence live exporters could show to prove things have changed.

The line from Cabinet was that they couldn't be certain that the 'gold standard' on ships could be met. But more credible is the view that no right-thinking businessperson would invest in new ships, knowing full well that if Labour were elected the ban would immediately be reinstated and gold-plated ships would have no future.

Farmers and live exporters are naturally upset and see the decision as a broken promise on the part of the coalition, but those who have been around politics for a long time are always sceptical about promises.

For the animal welfare lobby this is a significant victory, and it now appears for the foreseeable future the export of live animals by sea from NZ will not happen. But then again, in this topsy turvy uncertain world, things could change tomorrow.