Live export ban stands as a major win for animals in Aotearoa
News
Hundreds of thousands of animals across Aotearoa New Zealand are safer after Minister Andrew Hoggard confirmed that plans to reinstate live animal exports by sea will not go ahead this term of parliament.
The decision marks a powerful victory for the animals and for over 57,000 petitioners who spoke up to #ProtectTheBan on live animal exports in Aotearoa New Zealand.
For more than a decade, animal lovers and organisations including World Animal Protection have campaigned to end the cruel live export trade. These long journeys by sea cause immense suffering, with animals confined for weeks in extreme heat, standing in their own waste, and facing illness, injury and fear.
This is a huge win for animals and for everyone who has worked tirelessly to end the cruelty of live animal exports by sea.
This decision reflects the clear will of the Aotearoa New Zealand public and the growing recognition that live animal exports by sea have lost their social license.
Thank you to everyone who spoke up and took action to protect hundreds of thousands of cows and other animals from this barbaric trade. This progress would not have happened without you.
In April 2023, Aotearoa New Zealand made history by becoming the first country in the world to ban the live export of animals by sea. This landmark legislation ended live animal exports on ships and protected thousands of animals from pain and suffering. It also set a global example of compassionate leadership.
Despite ongoing pressure from industry to lift the ban, the government has now confirmed that new legislation to restart live animal exports will not proceed during this parliamentary term. That means the live export ban remains firmly in place. This decision ensures no more New Zealand animals will be subjected to these brutal journeys.
With you by our side, we will continue working to defend this world‑leading protection for animals and to encourage other countries to follow Aotearoa’s lead.
Together, we can protect the live export ban.
FAQs
Why is live export bad for animals?
Live exports cause severe animal suffering. Animals are often crammed tightly together on ships, forced to stand in their own waste, exposed to heat stress, injury and disease. Some animals die during transport, and those who survive may face horrible treatment once they arrive overseas. Aotearoa’s world‑leading ban protects cows and other animals from suffering during long and dangerous sea journeys.
When did the NZ live export ban come into effect?
The ban on live animal exports by sea came into effect in April 2023, making Aotearoa New Zealand the first country in the world to take this step. This victory came after passionate animal lovers and animal groups, including World Animal Protection, lobbied the government for more than a decade.
Is the NZ live cattle export legislation still in place?
Yes. In March 2026, Minister Andrew Hoggard confirmed that plans to reinstate live animal exports will not go ahead this term of parliament This means the legislation banning live animal exports by sea remains in place, continuing to safeguard animals from cruel and exhausting journeys.
Live export
On 30th April 2023, Aotearoa New Zealand became the first country in the world to ban live export by sea.
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