30 June 2026
The recent announcement by Minister Hoggard that reinstating the live export trade won’t happen this parliamentary term is incredibly disappointing says Glen Neal, Executive Director, Livestock Exports NZ.
Choosing to leave more than $300M per year on the table in terms of trade with countries that want our dairy heifers is hard to fathom. Denying countries like Indonesia NZs superior heifer genetics and the prospects of increased food security is puzzling.
LENZ has always maintained that animal welfare should be at the centre of this issue which is why we campaigned for better standards long before the tragic sinking of the Gulf Explorer 1 in Sept 2020.
We worked tirelessly with MPI officials, week in – week out, for two years to deliver the highest possible standards of animal welfare and we have had zero feedback about any concerns with proposals.
Ministers citing concerns with the gold-standard lacked specifics and therefore credibility, says Neal with the move being at odds with New Zealand’s proud reputation for championing rules-based trade.
Although disappointing, the move comes as no surprise to LENZ. We haven’t heard anything for 9 months when the matter was referred to Cabinet, says Neal.
Meanwhile local market conditions – such as farmgate returns for meat and milk, and the prospect of several dairy conversions – mean that there is currently no pressing demand from farmers for the livestock export option.
It was three short years ago that dairy heifers were being loaded into Bobby trucks and fetched around $25 per head versus the premium of around $2000 for a 200kg animal landed in China. That’s taking $150 000 – $200 000 out of some farmers bottom lines each year and leaving them with fewer options.
Looking ahead Neal has doubts that trade will be restored without significant farmer leadership. That will be dictated by market conditions and whether there is political appetite for championing a return to sensible, evidence-based policy making.
Glen Neal
Executive Director
Livestock Exports New Zealand www.livestockexports.co.nz
