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EPA approves a new weedkiller for wheat and barley crops

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a new herbicide used to control certain broadleaf and grass weeds in wheat and barley crops.
Adama New Zealand Limited applied to import or manufacture the herbicide, Tower, which contains the active ingredients chlorotoluron at 250 g/L, pendimethalin at 300 g/L, and diflufenican at 40 g/L.
Adama says the combination of different active ingredients should reduce the risk of resistance developing and that few herbicides can control grass weeds in cereals without damaging the crop.
“This approval means wheat and barley growers have another tool in their toolbox to help protect crops vital to New Zealand’s primary sector,” says Dr Lauren Fleury, Acting General Manager for Hazardous Substances and New Organisms.
The combined wheat and barley industry contributes around $300 million to the Aotearoa New Zealand economy a year. Almost 100,000 hectares of New Zealand land is used for wheat and barley production.
Tower contains chlorotoluron, a chemical new to New Zealand, though it has been approved in the UK and Europe. Tower also contains two other active ingredients already approved and available for use in New Zealand – pendimethalin and diflufenican.
Dr Fleury says, “The decision to approve the import or manufacture of Tower was made following a rigorous assessment and consultation process.
“This decision is the latest for the EPA, which continues to work hard and has reduced the queue of hazardous substance applications. The EPA has set ambitious assessment targets for the coming year, including increasing the number of assessments for substances containing new active ingredients.”
Tower can only be used by professionals in commercial settings, using ground-based application, after sowing and before wheat and barley plants emerge.
As Tower is an agricultural product it must also receive approval from the Ministry for Primary Industries before it can be used in New Zealand.
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ASB refuses to divest, so Amnesty International is switching banks – Amnesty International Statement

Source: Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand

Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand has announced it is moving its banking from ASB, in light of the bank’s ongoing investments in Motorola Solutions Inc. This is part of a campaign calling on ASB to divest from Motorola Solutions Inc. due to its complicity in maintaining and enabling illegal Israeli settlements. Not only are these settlements illegal under international law, they are associated with widespread human rights violations.
Amnesty International understands ASB KiwiSaver funds have over $14- million invested in Motorola Solutions Inc., which is currently one of the companies identified by the UN as being involved in activities that help maintain and enable illegal Israeli settlements.
This UN list was last updated in September 2025 and continues to include Motorola Solutions Inc.
Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand’s Movement Building and Advocacy Director Lisa Woods said, “We’ve raised this issue with ASB numerous times. We’ve presented our evidence of a range of severe human rights violations against Palestinians. We’ve given the bank time to review its investment and take appropriate action.
“Ethical and moral leadership across society is vital. In this regard, ASB has failed.”
In 2022, Amnesty International released the report Israel’s Apartheid Against Palestinians, documenting a decades-long system of oppression and domination that amounts to apartheid – a crime against humanity. Helping Israeli authorities to maintain this apartheid regime and expand its illegal settlements are the services and resources provided by different entities.
ASB’s decision to continue investing in Motorola Solutions Inc. sees the bank being part of a bigger picture where capital is invested in companies that are critical to maintaining Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestine, the illegal settlements, and its apartheid regime. 
ASB has specific international human rights obligations under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP). ASB is required to avoid causing or contributing to adverse human rights impacts through their own activities and seek to prevent or mitigate adverse human rights impacts that are directly linked to ASB’s operations, products or services, even if they have not contributed to those impacts (Principle 13).
“We cannot allow corporations to profit from the abuse of Palestinian human rights. Impunity cannot become the norm where we accept tick-box ethical investment policies. We believe that ASB, especially as a major Kiwisaver provider investing New Zealanders’ money, has a wider responsibility – moral and legal – to use its influence to promote respect for human rights,” said Woods.
Both globally and here in Aotearoa, financial institutions and companies are acknowledging that investments in companies that sustain Israel's illegal settlements and human rights atrocities are unethical, and they are divesting.
“We must question ASB’s framework for ethical investment, where in one of the world’s biggest human rights crises the framework still allows ASB to invest. Especially given the UN list of companies identified as being involved in activities that help maintain and enable illegal Israeli settlements has just been updated and continues to include Motorola Solutions Inc.
“It’s right to keep asking, ‘How high has the ethical screening bar been set? Is it still fit for purpose?’ We encourage ASB to reconsider its investment policies and join a number of organisations and businesses prioritising ethical investing,” said Woods.
-We understand latest data indicate this figure is now $18 million.
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Education and Politics – Curriculum changes ignore crucial evidence from England’s education review

Source: NZ Principals Federation

The New Zealand Principals’ Federation has today published a report exposing holes in the government’s plans for a ‘knowledge-rich curriculum’. The NZPF report captures crucial lessons from England’s experience that our government should be applying when revising the New Zealand curriculum.
“The Minister of Education claims she is focused on closing the gap between our highest and lowest performing students, yet the Government is implementing an education framework that will almost certainly make things worse,” says New Zealand Principals’ Federation President Leanne Otene.
“The evidence clearly shows that a knowledge-based curriculum fails to deliver the improvements in educational equity it claims to promote. It ignores the fact that students are individuals, many with diverse needs that require different education strategies to succeed.
“After 10 years, England’s education equity gap remained notably wide, and those with special educational needs continued to fall behind their peers.
“If we don’t hit pause now and rethink what we’re doing to New Zealand’s education system, we are going to go down the same path England did.
“We risk making the equity gap in our schools even wider. We risk the futures of our most vulnerable young people,” she says.
High-performing countries such as Singapore, Japan, and South Korea are actively reforming their education systems to move away from rigid, knowledge-intensive frameworks toward curricula that foster creativity, critical thinking and advanced problem-solving skills. Similarly, Finland and other Nordic countries, which consistently rank among the world's top education systems, intentionally elevate their educational experience beyond basic recall of information.
“By connecting academic subjects to practical and real-world challenges, modern and high-performing education systems strive to make learning more relevant and engaging for their students,” says Leanne.
“Our government is clearly not looking at the full breadth of international evidence when making sweeping changes to how our young people are taught.
“The Minister focuses on standardised assessments and easy metrics rather than tackling the inequities that would genuinely improve education for Aotearoa's young people,” she says.
The Government is seeking feedback on the proposed Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill by 14 January 2026.
“NZPF will most certainly be making a submission on this wide-reaching proposal before the narrow feedback window closes on 14 January 2026,” Otene says. “I encourage others to do so too before it is too late.”
Make a submission on the Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill: https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/65445e46-256b-4800-37f2-08de25831691?lang=en&Tab=history
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Business – Insolvencies rise in Q3 despite signs of economic optimism – BWA Insolvency

Source: BWA Insolvency

New Zealand insolvency cases climbed in the third quarter, even as indicators of economic recovery began to emerge.

The BWA Insolvency Quarterly Market Report shows total insolvencies rose 5% from the previous quarter, increasing from 738 in Q2 to 777 in Q3. While this is 6% lower than the same period last year, the quarterly rise signals ongoing stress for businesses burdened by legacy debt and tighter credit conditions.

BWA Insolvency principal Bryan Williams says the data reflects a “game of two halves” in the economy.

“On one side, you’ve got irrepressible forward-looking indicators—share prices rising, real estate agents bouncing back, building permits up, and even ready-mix concrete demand forecasts improving,” says Williams.

“But then there’s the other half: companies weighed down by cost inflation, credit tightening, and enforcement for unpaid taxes. For those burdened with debt that earnings can’t service, the future is bleak.”

Williams warns that creditor behaviour is shifting toward what he calls “healthy destruction.”

“Creditors are accelerating the exit of firms that can’t recover. It’s a harsh reality, but it’s shaping the market,” he says.

Construction continues to dominate insolvency statistics with 192 cases this quarter, slightly down from 197 in Q2 and 215 a year ago. Williams says while the numbers look high, they need to be viewed in context.

“Construction is a $17 billion industry representing around 7% of GDP. It’s a large sector with many tributaries feeding thousands of families,” he says.

“Although it appears overrepresented in insolvency data, its failings are proportionally low compared to its economic weight, especially when you compare it to sectors like hospitality, which runs a close second in insolvency stakes but contributes far less to GDP.”

Despite the pain, Williams sees a brighter future ahead. “Building permits rose 7.2% in September, and ready-mix concrete demand is forecast to grow by more than 8% annually. These are strong leading indicators. In the coming months, we expect a reversal of the recent contraction and new activity to become evident,” he says.

While construction remains the largest contributor, the sharpest increases came from transport and delivery (up 29% from Q2 and 40% year-on-year), manufacturing (up 21% from Q2 and 37% year-on-year), and food and beverage (up 15% from Q2 and 27% year-on-year).

“Transport operators are squeezed by fuel and compliance costs, manufacturers by input prices, and hospitality by discretionary spending patterns. These pressures are structural, not just cyclical,” says Williams.

Williams says optimism is returning to the broader economy. “Interest rate cuts and stabilising costs are fuelling confidence that the economy is entering an upward phase,” he says.

“New Zealand is a small economy but a powerful one. With strong systems, technology infrastructure, and Kiwi ingenuity, businesses are capable of leading the economy to a new level of prosperity.”

Williams cautions that external risks remain, including geopolitical tensions and trade policy uncertainty, but says the fundamentals are strong.

“If tensions ease and trade barriers fall, investment will return. If they escalate, enthusiasm will dampen. But the underlying capacity for growth is there,” he says.

Key Q3 2025 findings:

  • Total insolvencies: 777 (up 5% from Q2, down 6% year-on-year) 
  • Construction: 192 cases (down 3% from Q2, down 11% year-on-year) 
  • Transport & delivery: 49 cases (up 29% from Q2, up 40% year-on-year) 
  • Manufacturing: 52 cases (up 21% from Q2, up 37% year-on-year) 
  • Food & beverage: 76 cases (up 15% from Q2, up 27% year-on-year) 

The full Quarterly Market Report is available here: https://bwainsolvency.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BWA_Insolvency-Market-Report_Q3-2025_FINAL.pdf

About BWA Insolvency
BWA Insolvency is a leading insolvency firm that supports New Zealand businesses through liquidations, receiverships and voluntary administrations (VA), specialising in VA in particular. Founder Bryan Williams has 30 years' experience in the industry and has recently become just the second person in New Zealand and one of 200 people worldwide to be named a Fellow of global insolvency organisation Insol International.

About the BWA Insolvency Quarterly Market Report
BWA Insolvency has been tracking data on liquidations, receiverships and voluntary administrations since 2012. The Registrar of Companies Office records the filings of companies that have gone into a formal state of insolvency. BWA Insolvency then does a deeper investigation to show industry trends and provide a detailed snapshot of what's happening in the market for the Quarterly Market Report.

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Tech and Education – New Artificial Intelligence micro-credential for business leaders available from Open Polytechnic

Source: Open Polytechnic

Open Polytechnic, New Zealand’s specialist online learning provider, in conjunction with Spark, is offering business leaders the opportunity to better understand Artificial Intelligence (AI) by completing a new micro-credential.
While Open Polytechnic and Spark teamed up earlier this year to release the Introduction to Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) micro-credential, this latest offering is designed for people in business leadership roles.
Artificial Intelligence for Business Leaders (AI Micro-credential) (Level 5) will help learners (ākonga) to more fully understand Gen AI capabilities and identify use cases in business contexts.
“As a world leader in online and distance education with expertise in digital technology, Open Polytechnic is thrilled to combine our expertise with Spark NZ yet again,” says Open Polytechnic Executive Director Alan Cadwallader.
“This micro-credential will help current or future business leaders to both upskill in AI and integrate Generative AI into their business strategies to drive operational efficiency and productivity.”
The Artificial Intelligence for Business Leaders micro-credential will also provide insights into how to analyse potential Gen AI tools, along with teaching ākonga how to develop strategies to integrate Gen AI in a business, managing ethical considerations and risks.
This micro-credential is suitable for business managers, unit leaders, small business owners, operations or workflow managers, AI strategy consultants, digital transformation leads, team leads or project managers involved in AI adoption.
Ākonga who complete Artificial Intelligence for Business Leaders (AI Micro-credential) (Level 5) will be equipped to make informed decisions about adopting and integrating Gen AI into their organisation.
Open Polytechnic has been thrilled to work with Spark again in the development of this NZQA accredited micro-credential.
Greg Clark, Chief Customer Officer at Spark, says, “At Spark, we've been using AI to create better network and customer experiences, and to unlock productivity benefits. We’ve witnessed firsthand how the right digital tools, properly integrated, can unlock remarkable efficiencies.
“But according to our most recent productivity survey, only 29% of Kiwi businesses are experimenting with AI tools, with 42% citing a lack of knowledge or expertise as one of the barriers to adoption. Unfortunately, this means that many of these businesses could be missing out on productivity gains that could transform their operations.
“This new AI micro-credential enables more New Zealanders to access the skills and strategies to use AI to work smarter, not harder, so they can unlock the benefits for their own operations, and collectively, for New Zealand's economy.” The Level 5 micro-credential can be completed online in five hours a week for up to 10 weeks, with intakes each month, making it ideal for personal or professional development.
Heather Langton, Chief People Officer at Spark, says, “The rapid pace of digital change has created a burning platform for New Zealanders to learn the critical digital skills needed to use these technologies safely and effectively.
“Spark's purpose is to help all of New Zealand win big in a digital world, and we want to ensure that as we upskill our workforce, we're doing it in a way that leaves no one behind.
“We work with thousands of businesses of all sizes, and our customers have told us that while many large corporates have invested in upskilling their people in AI, this can be more challenging for small to medium businesses. This new AI micro-credential has been designed specifically to support these businesses, who are the backbone of the Kiwi economy, so that we can collectively lift our country's productivity and digital capability.”
There is a special price of $199 ($210 in 2026) for NZ domestic learners who register before 31 December 2025. NZ international learners’ registrations are also available; terms and conditions apply. If you are a business or individual that is interested in utilising AI technology, then go to the Open Polytechnic website. Terms and conditions apply: https://www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz/qualifications-and-courses/icte5000-artificial-intelligence-for-business-leaders/
At a glance Open Polytechnic Artificial Intelligence for Business Leaders (AI Micro-credential) Level: 5 Credits: 5 Total learning hours: 50 – study online at your own pace, five hours per week, with up to 10 weeks to complete Cost: $199 including GST for NZ domestic learners in 2025 ($210 in 2026). 
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Economic recovery remains fragile – Buy NZ Made

Source: Buy NZ Made

Buy NZ Made is calling for renewed support for homegrown businesses as new Centrix data reveals liquidations have surged to a 14-year high, even as overall confidence across the economy shows signs of improvement.
The latest figures highlight the pressure facing many New Zealand-owned companies, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of local manufacturing, retail, and services. Rising operating costs, tighter cashflow, and a slow post-inflation recovery continue to challenge Kiwi businesses-despite indicators that sentiment is improving.
There were 327 business liquidations in October. Construction remains the most affected industry, with 753 firms liquidated during the past year, followed by hospitality with 318 liquidations in the past year, up 45% year-on-year.
Buy NZ Made Executive Director Dane Ambler says while confidence is improving, the latest liquidation numbers show how tough the economic environment still is for New Zealand businesses.
“Every liquidation represents jobs lost, capability lost, and part of our local supply chain disappearing. We are not out of the woods yet.”
Although consumer arrears are levelling off and both business and consumer confidence is picking up, the recovery remains fragile. Sectors with strong New Zealand ownership; construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and retail are usually among the hardest hit.
“This is exactly why supporting New Zealand-made products and services matters,” Ambler says.
 “When consumers choose local, more money circulates within our economy, helping businesses stay afloat, protecting jobs, and strengthening regional communities.”
Buy NZ Made says the combination of rising liquidations and improving confidence sends a clear message: the economy is turning a corner, but momentum is fragile.
“We’re cautiously optimistic about 2026. The resilience of Kiwi businesses is remarkable, but they need our support now more than ever. Every local purchase is a vote of confidence in New Zealand’s future.”
Buy NZ Made encourages consumers and procurement teams, both public and private, to prioritise locally made goods and services to help stabilise and grow the domestic economy.
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University Research – Drug courts in focus as meth use climbs – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

With only three drug treatment courts in the country, experts are meeting in Auckland to explore how these specialist courts can save money, support recovery and reduce reoffending, particularly at a time of escalating meth-related harm.

Latest Ministry of Justice figures show people who complete the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court reoffend far less than comparable high-risk, high-needs offenders in the District Court: 50 percent less in their first year after finishing the court programme. This reduction continues at four years, with 20 percent lower reoffending rates.

Judges, policymakers, researchers, treatment providers, and people who have experienced the drug treatment courts first-hand will discuss cutting-edge research and the human and monetary value of the courts at the Alcohol and Other Drug Court Conference on 4 and 5 December at the University of Auckland. (ref. www.aodt-court-conference-aotearoa-2025.co.nz/ )

Senior law lecturer Dr Katherine Doolin says many New Zealanders are at a geographical disadvantage when it comes to accessing drug treatment courts, with the country's three courts all in the North Island: Waitākere, Auckland Central and Hamilton. 

“With methamphetamine use continuing to rise, it's timely to strengthen, develop and expand these courts so more communities can benefit.”

The Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment (AODT) Court, which began in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2012, provides pathways for people facing prison for offending fuelled by substance use to remain in the community to deal with their underlying issues. The results of this challenging work can be transformational.
 
The 300th graduate of the alcohol and other drug treatment court, Melanie Rauth, can vouch for that. Rauth, who works as the Team Lead (alcohol and other drug) Support Worker at Auckland City Mission, faced several charges, including burglary offences, possession of methamphetamine, and driving while disqualified.  
 
“What the drug treatment court gave me was a chance, a chance to rewrite my story. Stepping into the courtroom of the AODT Court is so different to a normal court; they talk with you, not at you, they hear you, they listen. They treated me like a human being.”

One of the founders of New Zealand's Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court, Judge Lisa Tremewan, has worked closely with drug court participants and treatment providers for more than a decade.

“It’s uplifting to see how those in court respond – often they’ve been at rock bottom, but I’ve seen how transformative it can be. In fact, over 40 of our graduates are now working in the treatment sector and using their lived experience to support others on the same journey.”

It was the quality of the AODT Court system in New Zealand that inspired US treatment court expert and conference keynote Dr Shannon Carey to feature local court sessions and meetings in her US court trainings to demonstrate best practices.
  
This was a full-circle moment: Carey provided consulting and training for the setup of New Zealand's drug treatment courts based on best practices and research from the US.
  
Carey, who specialises in treatment court cost analyses, says that when drug treatment courts follow established models and research-based best practices, they save money.
 
“Successful participants reunite with their families, who are often estranged due to their substance use, they get jobs, enjoy better health and become a contributing member of their communities. Not only is the treatment court approach more effective than the more traditional court processing and incarceration, it’s also a vastly more humane way of treating people.”
 
The AODT Court Conference features other international experts, including trauma-informed courts’ specialist Dr Brian Meyer; former US prosecutor and probation chief Helen Harberts; Dr Doug Marlowe, a globally recognised figure in drug court research and policy; drug-testing expert Paul Cary; and addiction-recovery researcher and activist Professor David Best.
 
New Zealand’s experience is a central focus of the AODT Court conference, with discussions about why drug treatment courts work, who they are most effective for and the core elements of good practice.

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Northland Regional Council media briefs – 02 December 2025

Source: Northland Regional Council

NORTHLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL AT WHANGĀREI A&P SHOW – 06 DECEMBER
Northland Regional Council will have an information stand at the Whangārei A&P Show on Saturday, 06 December at Barge Showgrounds (sites 6 & 8).
The stand will feature information and resources on pest animals, weeds, biodiversity, and the Wild Deer Free Programme, along with updates on biosecurity threats such as exotic Caulerpa and the yellow-legged hornet.
Visitors can learn about Predator Free Northland, Check, Clean, Dry, and kauri protection. Family-friendly activities include colouring and predator-free games, and staff will be available to answer questions.
FREE CITYLINK BUSES SATURDAY 06 DECEMBER
Northland Regional Council’s CityLink buses have teamed up with the Whangarei A&P Show again to celebrate one epic show day.
On Saturday 06 December all CityLink buses will be free all day.
For everyone heading to the Show, there are two free shuttle buses that will run from Rose Street to the Show. Don’t rush for the bus! The shuttles will run continuously from 8.40am to 4.15pm on show day, Saturday 6 December.
For more information on CityLink services go to CityLink Whangārei’s Facebook page or www.buslink.co.nz.
For more information on the Show, including ticket prices and attraction and entertainment details, visit www.whangareishow.co.nz
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Auckland hosts national cleantech leaders for one-day innovation trek

Source: Ara Ake

Cruising around Auckland in New Zealand’s only hydrogen-powered bus, 30 energy innovators, investors, enablers and industry leaders will spend 4 December exploring the city’s growing cleantech sector. The bus, which generates its own electricity onboard using hydrogen, sets the tone for a tour focused on future-ready technology and commercial development.
The group is joining the Auckland Cleantech Trek to visit leading industrial and marine cleantech ventures. New Zealand is fast gaining a reputation as a cleantech hub, with global companies already using locally developed bioenergy, biofuel and waste-to-value technologies – and Auckland is at the centre of this growing industry.
The one-day programme will showcase Auckland innovation, examine pathways to commercialisation, and strengthen connections across Aotearoa’s cleantech ecosystem. The tour begins at the University of Auckland’s green chemistry and engineering departments before travelling to Environmental Decontamination Limited (EDL), whose technology offers a leading solution for hazardous waste treatment.
Participants will also visit EV Maritime, an engineering and design leader in electric ferries, and finish the day at Outset Ventures, home to many of Auckland’s deep-tech and cleantech startups, including Avertana, Ternary and Neocrete.
“To date, New Zealand’s cleantech sector comprises over 130 companies and has attracted at least $535 million in private investment – so supporting this sector is not only critical to climate mitigation but also economic growth,” says Associate Professor Natalie Plank, Deputy Director of Commercialisation and Industry Engagement at the MacDiarmid Institute.
The Trek is part of the wider New Zealand Cleantech Mission, a national initiative working to accelerate the development and deployment of clean technologies that reduce emissions, support regional resilience, and drive economic growth.
“Auckland is a major hub for cleantech innovation, and the more than 130 cleantech companies already operating across Aotearoa show that both Auckland and New Zealand can create world-leading ventures. Unlocking real economic impact means growing a wider pipeline of innovators who can scale globally. The New Zealand Cleantech Mission was set up to support that growth and help these technologies deliver on their sustainability potential,” says Jasmine Millet, Head of Sector Development at the Economic Development Office within Auckland Council.
Co-led by Ara Ake, New Zealand’s national energy innovation centre, and the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, the Cleantech Mission is supported by Auckland Council, New Zealand Growth Capital Partners, Auckland UniServices, ChristchurchNZ, and KiwiNet.
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SAFE stands by call for animal welfare portfolio to be removed from Andrew Hoggard

Source: SAFE For Animals

SAFE is reasserting its formal complaint which highlights the urgent need for reassignment of the ministerial animal welfare portfolio due to serious and egregious conflicts of interest.
The complaint, sent to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on 10 November, outlines several issues relating to Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Haggard’s oversight of animal welfare.
SAFE Chief Executive Debra Ashton says Minister Hoggard’s close personal ties to the farming, trade, and animal agriculture sectors significantly compromise his ability to act impartially when it comes to the welfare of animals. “What we have consistently seen since Minister Hoggard was given oversight of animal welfare are very clear cases of industry capture going unchecked and animal welfare repeatedly being sidelined.”
“The current oversight of this ministerial portfolio raises serious concerns about conflicts between industry and economic interests and animal welfare obligations” says Ashton.
Examples cited in SAFE’s complaint include the proposed reversal of the ban on live animal export by sea, the ongoing controversy surrounding the use of farrowing crates for pigs, and Minister Hoggard’s prominent public endorsement of the highly contentious practice of rodeo.
“The response we received from the Prime Minister’s office was evasive and has not addressed the key issues raised” says Ashton.
Ashton also points to comments made by to Minister Hoggard to the media this week when he stated SAFE is angling for a vegan minister to oversee animals’ welfare, and his baseless declaration the organisation is opposed to people having companion animals.
“These ridiculous statements seem quite desperate and highlight how out of touch the Coalition Government is with organisations genuinely working to improve animal welfare,” says Ashton. “Ultimately what is needed is independent oversight of our animal welfare system, but to address these immediate issues of industry capture, the Prime Minister must reassign the animal welfare portfolio to a minister will provide unprejudiced oversight.”
During his tenure as the minister responsible for animal welfare Hoggard has gained a reputation for ignoring independent animal welfare science, disregarding the advice of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), sidestepping equitable consultation, and contravening High Court rulings.
SAFE’s formal complaint also references parliamentary guidelines, which stipulate that ministers must avoid situations where personal or professional interests influence their official duties with ‘substantial and enduring conflicts’ warranting reassignment of portfolio responsibilities.
“The bottom line is Minister Hoggard having oversight of the welfare of hundreds of millions of animals across the country compromises the integrity of governance” says Ashton.
“There is a very clear solution, and we will continue to pursue this matter until the animal welfare portfolio is reassigned to a minister who will provide unbiased oversight.”
SAFE is Aotearoa’s leading animal rights organisation.
We're creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
Notes:
  • – Attached is SAFE’s formal complaint to the Prime Minister (10 Dec 2025) – Attached is the response to SAFE's complaint from Prime Minister’s office (21 Dec 2025)
  • Linked below is: