New Zealand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Name of organisation: National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC)

                                 

                                 NAWAC is not a member of EuroFAWC but has an invited observer role.

  

Link to website: http://biosecurity.govt.nz/regs/animal-welfare/nz/nawac

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terms of reference: The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) is a ministerial advisory committee established under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. The function of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee is to advise the Minister of Agriculture on any matter relating to the welfare of animals in New Zealand. In particular NAWAC provides advice to the Minister on legislation and codes of welfare relating to farmed, domestic, wild and pest species.

  

Short outline of structure: NAWAC is comprised of 11 members appointed by the Minister. Members serve in a personal capacity representing particular areas of expertise including veterinary, animal, agricultural, medical and veterinary science, the commercial use of animals, ethics, conservation, animal welfare advocacy, companion animals, education and public interest, and not as representatives of their employer or nominating body.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) provides scientific, policy and legal advice as well as secretariat support.

 

Short outline of working methods: The full Committee meets four times a year with subcommittees meeting on an as-needed basis to work on a particular code of welfare or topic. One of NAWAC’s key roles is the development and recommendation of codes of welfare to the Minister for issue. The Act provides for the development of codes of animal welfare and gives legal force to the minimum standards that they contain. Codes specify minimum standards and promote best practice for the care and management of animals. The committee recommends a code of welfare to the Minister following consultation with affected parties, public consultation and independent peer review. Each code is accompanied by a report detailing the reasons for NAWAC’s recommendations and any significant differences of opinion identified during the public submission process.

  

Future reports: In 2011 NAWAC expects to recommend to the Minister of Agriculture codes of    welfare for: transport of animals in NZ, meat chickens, and goats. The 2005 layer hens code is  currently under review and a code for llamas & alpacas is being developed. Advice to the Minister on the indoor housing of dairy cattle and the associated welfare risks is also being developed.

The Animal Welfare Act 1999, which sets core obligations on those responsible for the care of animals, came into force on 1 January 2000. The Act is in the early stages of a review, with public consultation expected in 2012. NAWAC will have a leading role in recommending change and providing advice to the Minister throughout the review process.

  

Contact details:

NAWAC Secretary

MAF Animal Welfare Standards

P O Box 2526

WELLINGTON 6140

 

Phone: ++ 61 4 894 0915

Email: nawac@maf.govt.nz

 

Publications:

NAWAC has several publications

• Annual reports
• Codes of Welfare
• Guidelines which set out the principles and procedures by which it operates

Access to publications:

All publications can be accessed on the MAF Biosecurity website

http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/regs/animal-welfare/pubs

Hard copies can be requested by email.