fbpx
Print this page
Tuesday, 15 May 2018 09:26

Hui on animal welfare

Written by 
Associate Minister of Agriculture Meka Whaitiri.  Associate Minister of Agriculture Meka Whaitiri. 

An all-day hui, to discuss the priorities of the country’s animal welfare groups, has been called for next month by the Associate Minister of Agriculture the Meka Whaitiri. 

The hui in Auckland aims to follow up on a promise made by Whaitiri after she announced Government policy not to ban rodeos in March.

Whaitiri says she’s keen to hear the views and priorities of the country’s animal advocates on issues on everything from the care of pigs to welfare issues around pets. 

“I want everything to be on the table for discussion. I also want this to be a chance for our animal advocates to hear from spokespeople for our Government partners the Greens and New Zealand First.

“This year I have already moved to strengthen the protections for our animals with a raft of new regulations that covered everything from banning fireworks at rodeos to tightening the controls on how stock are transported to slaughter plants. These regulations have already been welcomed by many.

“I have also supported the work of my advisory group NAWAC in their investigation into the role of animals in entertainment.”

Whaitiri says as the dedicated animal welfare minister in this Government she wants to better outcomes for animals. 

This goes to the heart of our international reputation as one of the world leaders for animal welfare outcomes in farming systems, she adds.   

“It will be up to the hui on June 8 to decide what they think are the really important issues that we need to develop and debate in the coming years,” says Whaitiri.

More like this

Import rules a pig's ear

Pig farmers say the idea that not every pork product sold in New Zealand has to be produced to this country’s own welfare standards is unfair.

Changes needed to lawmaking

A recent review, released at the end of last month, suggests change is needed in how regulations that impact animal welfare are made.

Unhelpful politics

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little says the succession of Recovery Ministers who have resigned or left has not made his life easy.

Shallow puddle!

OPINION: A mate of yours truly reckons the promotion of former kindergarten teacher Jo Luxton as new associate agriculture minister, following the defection of Meka Whaitiri from Labour to the Maori Party, shows just how shallow the talent pool is in the current government.

Featured

National

NZ-EU FTA enters into force

Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement…

Machinery & Products

Factory clocks up 60 years

There can't be many heavy metal fans who haven’t heard of Basildon, situated about 40km east of London and originally…

PM opens new Power Farming facility

Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.