The Coalition Government is progressing its commitment to reinstate live exports by sea despite public backlash.
However, the Coalition is reassuring the trade will only resume after strengthened welfare standards are developed.
Agriculture Associate Minister Andrew Hoggard has announced public consultation will start before September and a discussion document is being prepared. He aims to seek feedback on how to achieve high animal welfare standards throughout the export process, how to protect New Zealand's reputation as a responsible exporter, and international trade obligations.
"I acknowledge there is significant interest in this work, and I want to give stakeholders, and the public, a clear timeline for change," he said.
"Live exports will only commence once strengthened welfare standards are developed and in effect to protect New Zealand's reputation as a responsible exporter and international trade obligations."
It comes after a petition with almost 60,000 signatures was handed to Labour MP Damien O'Connor earlier this week, demanding the Government protects the ban on live exports.
Opposition MPs and supporters of the ban have raised concerns that reinstating the trade would risk New Zealand's international reputation.
"We produce the best protein in the world, in the safest conditions, if it's undermined by poor animal welfare standards that put us all at risk," former Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor said.
Hoggard said he understands animal welfare is a top priority for New Zealanders.
"It's vital, and in fact non-negotiable, that the new standards are in place before the trade is restarted," he said. "Hearing a range of voices will help us to understand how we can best achieve this."
He said the value of livestock exports by sea was over $300 million in 2022.
"This is not insignificant. I believe there is an opportunity to expand our live export potential and support the growth of our primary industries, and rural communities."
Haggard expects legislation to be introduced to the House in early 2025, which will be followed by updated regulatory standards.
Reversing the ban on live exports is part of the National-ACT coalition agreement.
The previous Labour Government announced the ban on live animal exports by sea in 2021, which came into effect at the end of April 2023.
It followed the sinking of the stock ship Gulf Livestock 1 in 2020 where two New Zealanders and almost 6000 cattle died.
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