Animals are worthy of care and respect, but current rules allow animal abuse and exploitation. Aotearoa could easily have a world-leading animal welfare system, but many animals are mistreated and subject to cruelty. The Green Party has championed animal welfare for decades, as the leading voice in Parliament on issues like factory farming, greyhound racing, and cage-free hens and eggs. Meanwhile, other parties have backed down on promises to ban rodeos and cruel production practices like farrowing crates.  The Green Party will strengthen Aotearoa’s animal welfare standards. We will outlaw harmful...

 All animals have a right to a life free from cruelty. Government must be accountable for the wellbeing of animals An independent Animal Welfare Commissioner should be established, as well as a Minister for Animal Welfare who is not the Minister for Primary Industries. By law, all animals should have access to shade, shelter, and comfortable resting areas, with increased funding for enforcement Animals used for agriculture or economic purposes must not be subject to avoidable distress, pain, or suffering...

The Green Party is deeply concerned by Japan’s resumption of commercial whaling, Green Party Animal Welfare Spokesperson Gareth Hughes said today. “This is a sad day for whales and a real blow to international efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. “I am very disappointed by Japan’s decision to pull out of the International Whaling Commission after the International Court of Justice ruled their previous whaling program was not for scientific purposes. “Commercial hunting pushed whales to the brink of extinction...

The Green Party is welcoming the announcement by Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor to review New Zealand’s live animal exports rules. “New Zealand’s live animal export laws are in serious need of an update to protect animal welfare and our agricultural brand,” Green Party Animal Welfare spokesperson Gareth Hughes said today. “New Zealand exports tens of thousands of live animals for breeding purposes every year and these animals can face appalling treatment when they arrive in the importing country.” “The...

The Green Party is glad to finally see the rollout of cameras on selected fishing boats but believes it needs to be scaled-up fast. “We need cameras on all fishing boats as soon as possible to help stamp out illegal practices and protect our fisheries for future generations” says Green Party spokesperson for Fisheries, Gareth Hughes.  “The rollout in its current form is too generous with taxpayer’s money, too narrow and too slow. “Whilst we welcome this first step we...

A Green Party member’s bill that allows New Zealanders to know where their food comes was passed almost unanimously by Parliament today, Green Party MP Gareth Hughes has announced. 

The Green Party has written to the Environment select committee asking for it to consult the public on banning the private sale and use of fireworks.

The Green Party believes animals should not suffer to provide entertainment for people and we are calling for a ban on the use of animals in rodeo events.

The Green Party is celebrating this court victory for the environment with the High Court saying the EPA’s Decision Making Committee’s interpretation of the law was inconsistent with the purpose of the EEZ Act. “This is a win for people power and for the whales and dolphins who live in this area threatened by mining”, said Green Party MP Gareth Hughes. “The result is thanks to the dedication of Ngati Ruanui, Forest and Bird, Greenpeace and Kiwis against Seabed Mining...