44536 (2024). Rachel Boyack to the Associate Minister of Agriculture

44536 (2024). Rachel Boyack to the Associate Minister of Agriculture: Will there be a comprehensive review of animal welfare standards and regulations for zoos and wildlife parks in response to instances of animal cruelty and premature deaths at Orana Wildlife Park?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: All zoos and wildlife park operators must meet requirements in the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and all applicable codes of welfare such as the code of welfare for zoos. Codes of welfare are reviewed by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC). Numerous factors contribute to the speed at which a review can progress, and the number of other codes also prioritised for review at one time. NAWAC’s current work programme is available to view publicly on the committee’s independent website www.nawac.org.nz.