New Zealand: New Members' Bill Announced to Close Imports Loophole

A legislative initiative to address New Zealand's animal welfare import inconsistencies was unveiled at Parliament today during an event organised by Animal Policy International. Green MP Steve Abel announced the introduction of his Animal Products (Closing the Welfare Gap) Amendment Bill, which aims to ensure any product sold in New Zealand meets New Zealand’s animal welfare standards, even if it’s produced overseas.

Agriculture and Animal Welfare spokesperson Abel added the Member’s Bill to the ballot system (the "biscuit tin") saying, “We shouldn’t allow on our supermarket shelves what we wouldn’t allow on our farms. This is about fairness for animals and for farmers.” 

Abel highlighted the current policy contradiction: “We’re proud of our animal welfare laws here in New Zealand, but right now those laws have a glaring loophole. Currently, products which come from animals who have been kept or slaughtered in conditions which would be illegal here, like in sow stalls or battery cages, are still able to be imported and sold in our supermarkets.  New Zealanders don’t want to see our welfare values undermined by a loophole that allows cruelty to enter through the back door." 

The timing could not be more critical, as yesterday New Zealand formally began in-person trade negotiations with India — where over 90% of hens remain in battery cages, a practice banned in New Zealand — highlighting the urgent need to address this inconsistency.

Steve Abel with the members' bill

Animal Policy International Co-Executive Director Rainer Kravets commended the bill: "This legislation represents a critical turning point for animal welfare in New Zealand. For too long, we've banned cruel practices at home while continuing to import and sell products from those very same systems. With trade negotiations underway with countries like India, the timing couldn't be more urgent. This bill offers a practical solution that protects animals, supports our farmers, and aligns with what over 80% of New Zealanders want—consistency in our animal welfare standards regardless of where products originate."

Read the full media release.

See event photos.