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March 12, 2026
#national: Green Party Welcomes Decision to Keep Ban on Live Animal Exports
Waatea Team
Posted On March 12, 2026
The Green Party says the decision to keep New Zealand’s ban on live animal exports by sea in place is a major step forward for animal welfare and reflects strong public opposition to the trade.
The ban, which came into force in 2023, ended the practice of exporting cattle, sheep and other livestock by ship for breeding purposes overseas. The policy was introduced after growing concern about the welfare of animals during long sea voyages and the difficulty of ensuring they are treated humanely once they leave New Zealand waters.
Green Party animal welfare spokesperson Steve Abel says the confirmation that the ban will remain in place represents a significant victory for animal welfare advocates and community groups who campaigned against the trade.
The party says live export by sea has long been associated with serious animal welfare risks. Animals can spend weeks confined on ships during long journeys, often facing heat stress, illness and injury. Critics of the trade have also pointed out that once livestock arrive in other countries, New Zealand has little ability to ensure the animals continue to be treated under the same welfare standards required domestically.
Animal welfare organisations have also highlighted a number of incidents internationally where ships carrying livestock have experienced serious problems at sea. One of the most widely reported tragedies occurred in 2020 when a vessel transporting thousands of cattle capsized near Japan, killing almost all the animals on board.
Supporters of the ban say the policy protects both animal welfare and New Zealand’s reputation as a country that maintains high standards in farming and food production.
The Green Party says it now wants the ban strengthened further, including extending it to cover live animal exports by air. The party argues that New Zealand should continue to position itself as a global leader in ethical agricultural practices.
While the ban has been welcomed by animal welfare groups, the live export trade had previously generated significant revenue for some parts of the farming sector, particularly through the export of breeding cattle to overseas markets.
For animal welfare advocates, however, the decision signals that the country is prioritising the wellbeing of animals over economic gain.
The debate around live exports has been one of the more contentious issues in New Zealand’s agricultural sector in recent years. But with the ban now expected to remain in place, campaigners say the focus can shift toward strengthening animal welfare standards across the wider farming industry.
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