Govt directive to NAWAC - more analysis and engage openly
An independent body, providing advice on animal welfare to the Government, has been told to change the way in which it deals with stakeholders while developing livestock codes of welfare.
Consultation opened today and closes on 9 December 2026.
NAWAC has reviewed the existing Code and is proposing new minimum standards and recommendations for best practice.
NAWAC chair Dr Matthew Stone says the draft changes aim to improve the welfare of cattle and horses used in rodeos across New Zealand.
What Is Being Proposed?
Extensive updates are being recommended to minimum standards for:
- steer wrestling
- roping and tying
- selecting and handling animals
- facilities and equipment
- stockmanship
New minimum standards are proposed for:
- breakaway roping
- training of rodeo animals, and animals used to train rodeo participants
- contingency planning
The Main Proposed Change
The main proposed change is that cattle used in rope and tie and steer wrestling events must stay standing after being brought to a stop, instead of ending up on the ground.
NAWAC says the way these events are practised increases the risk of injury and distress to cattle and could breach the Animal Welfare Act 1999.
Stone says the draft standards would significantly change how the events are carried out, and that, if adopted, organisers might choose to withdraw some events from rodeos.
NAWAC is also recommending that the definition of a rodeo be changed to include events closed to the public. Those jackpot events would also require a vet in attendance.
Why Consultation Matters
Stone says public consultation is important to help shape how the events can be modified to meet the purposes of the Act. NAWAC’s approach has been to identify potential welfare risks in each event and describe what it believes needs to change.
NAWAC wants views from people directly involved in rodeos and others affected by the changes, and is also encouraging feedback from animal advocates and members of the public.
The rodeo season runs from this month through to March.
In the most recent season, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) animal welfare inspectors attended almost 30 rodeo events.
NAWAC is an independent body that advises the Government on animal welfare issues.
The Code of Welfare for Rodeos was last reviewed in 2014.
How to Have Your Say
Read the draft Code and find details on how to make a submission on MPI’s website: mpi.govt.nz/review-of-the-code-of-welfare-for-rodeo-animals. Submissions close on 9 December 2026.
