As we look ahead to 2026, I wanted to share a few reflections with our community and with New Zealanders who care about animals and the food we eat.
At Animals Aotearoa, we often see change before it becomes obvious. Conversations that once felt marginal slowly move into the mainstream, and questions people were hesitant to ask begin to feel natural.
That is exactly what we are seeing right now with animal welfare.
Across Aotearoa, more people are asking thoughtful, practical questions about how animals are treated in our food system. Not because anyone is forcing the issue, but because care, curiosity and honesty are becoming part of everyday decision-making.
Here are five animal welfare trends we see shaping food in New Zealand in 2026, and what they mean for all of us.
Transparency is becoming the new standard
For a long time, many of us relied on familiar labels like free range, responsibly sourced or humanely raised. These terms can sound reassuring, but they do not always tell the full story.
In 2026, more people are taking a closer look. They are learning that animal welfare claims can cover a wide range of farming systems and that clarity matters.
We are seeing a welcome shift away from vague assurances and towards openness. Brands that are willing to explain how animals are raised are earning trust, while unclear or misleading language is being questioned more often.
What this means for you
If you buy animal products, consider animal welfare claims an invitation to learn more. Looking for clear explanations rather than comforting words helps move the whole system forward.
Cage-free eggs are now expected, but labels still matter
Over the past decade, many New Zealanders have helped push egg producers and food businesses away from cages. As a result, cage-free eggs are increasingly seen as the minimum standard.
At the same time, confusion remains. Labels such as “colony laid” can sound positive, but still refer to large cage systems. Many people are surprised to discover this at the point of purchase.
This moment is less about blame and more about clarity. People want labels that match their values and expectations.
What this means for you
If you buy eggs, choosing SPCA Cage Free certified eggs is one of the clearest ways to support higher welfare standards. Avoiding eggs labelled colony laid also helps send a clear signal about what New Zealanders expect.
Attention is turning to chickens raised for meat
While egg production has been a major focus of animal welfare advocacy, chickens raised for meat are now receiving more attention.
All commercially grown ‘meat’ chickens in New Zealand are bred to grow extremely fast, killed at just a few weeks old. This rapid growth causes health and mobility problems that significantly affect their quality of life.
Internationally, higher welfare standards such as the Better Chicken Commitment are helping to address these issues. The Better Chicken Commitment includes the use of breeds with more natural growth rates, along with improved living conditions and enrichment.
In New Zealand, eight businesses have already committed to meeting this higher standard. This shows that better welfare is both possible and practical.
What this means for you
Supporting businesses that have committed to the Better Chicken Commitment helps reward leadership. Letting other brands know this matters to you can make a real difference too. Join our A-Team to take quick, easy and effective actions asking food businesses do to better for animals.
Octopus farming is prompting important questions early
One of the most significant emerging issues we are watching is the development of octopus farming.
Octopus are widely recognised as highly intelligent, curious and sentient animals. At the same time, New Zealand is funding research into how octopus farming could become a new industry.
What makes this moment unusual is that ethical questions are being raised before large-scale farming begins. This gives us a rare opportunity to pause and reflect on what kinds of food systems we want to create and how public research funding is used.
What this means for you
Choosing not to eat octopuses is one way to express concern. Contacting the NZ Government to stop funding octopus farming is a quick action you can take. Staying informed and engaged in conversations about new food industries also helps ensure animal welfare is considered from the outset.
Salmon farming is under growing scrutiny
Salmon farming has become another area where animal welfare and environmental concerns intersect.
Reports of mass die-offs, impacts on surrounding ecosystems and pressure from climate change have led many New Zealanders to ask harder questions about how salmon is produced and what responsible seafood really means.
What this means for you
If salmon is part of your diet, wild-caught salmon generally involves fewer animal welfare and environmental concerns than farmed salmon, but both cause animal suffering. Asking questions and seeking transparency support better outcomes over time.
A gentle truth we want to share
At Animals Aotearoa, we are often asked what the best choice is for animals.
The most reliable way to avoid animal suffering is, quite simply, to avoid eating animals altogether. Many people in Aotearoa are choosing to do this for ethical, environmental or health reasons.
For those who do continue to eat animal products, being part of positive change does not require perfection. It starts with awareness, curiosity and care. Understanding labels, supporting higher welfare standards and choosing transparency all help shape a kinder food system.
Thank you for being part of a community that continues to ask better questions and to care deeply about animals.
Marianne