NAWAC

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) was established under the Animal Welfare Act to provide independent advice to the Government minister responsible for animal welfare.

NAWAC's role in animal welfare

NAWAC gives the Government minister responsible for animal welfare advice on:

• The welfare of animals in New Zealand
• Animal welfare research needs
• Legislative proposals
• Codes of welfare
• Regulations
• Traps and devices
• Hunting and killing animals in a wild state.

Section 57 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 lists all of NAWAC’s functions.

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) and The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are consulting on proposed changes to how pigs are farmed in New Zealand.

Among the proposals are changes to the use of farrowing crates and the amount of space that needs to be provided for grower and weaner pigs.

Farmers and the public have an important role in providing feedback on the new draft code of welfare for pigs and we encourage people to do so.

NAWAC's review of the Code followed a High Court ruling on farrowing crates and mating stalls and prompted a closer look at how pork is produced in New Zealand. The High Court recommended introducing new rules regarding their use, and the Government agreed to phase out their use by 2025.

Consultation opened on 29 April and closes on 24 June 2022 and can be accessed here.

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) has reviewed the Code of Welfare for Dairy Cattle. It determined the code requires amendments to incorporate:

• advances in animal welfare science
• updates to dairy cattle farming systems and management practices
• changing views and expectations by the New Zealand public.

NAWAC is seeking your views on the proposed changes to the Code of Welfare for Dairy Cattle and associated recommendations for regulations.

Consultation opens on 28 April 2022 and closes on 9 June 2022 and can be accessed here.