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Active Public Consultation

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) has reviewed the Code of Welfare for Deer (2018).

The committee has determined that the code requires amendments to incorporate:

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

NAWAC welcomes your feedback on the proposed changes to the code and associated recommendations for regulations.

Consultation opened on 15 September 2022 and closes on 10 November 2022.

To view the consultation documents and make a submission please visit the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee

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.

Animal Welfare Act 1999 - New Zealand Legislation

NAWAC's work programme

NAWAC prioritises its work to make the most of its limited resources while improving animal welfare in New Zealand. NAWAC uses a framework to decide which animal welfare issues to address first. The committee updates its work programme every year.