Every animal deserves a life worth living. Most New Zealanders agree, but in the thick of election season, it can be hard to find where each party stands on animal welfare issues.
We asked political parties five questions about their plans – if any – to improve farmed animal welfare. We then assessed their answers against specific commitments. We also looked at their statements and track records over the last term of government. Our scorecard lays party responses side by side, so you can see who is ready to stand up for farmed animals and make your own informed choice this November 7.
We asked political parties five questions about their plans – if any – to improve farmed animal welfare. We then assessed their answers against specific commitments. We also looked at their statements and track records over the last term of government. Our scorecard lays party responses side by side, so you can see who is ready to stand up for farmed animals and make your own informed choice this November 7.
Key:
💚 = supports
🧡 = nearly there / partial support
💔 = does not support
? = no clear position or did not respond
Your vote is your voice. Make sure you’re enrolled, and your details are up to date by Sunday 25 October at https://vote.nz/enrolling/enrol-or-update/enrol-or-update-online. (Please remember, the current Government changed the rules, so people can no longer enrol at the last minute/on election day.)
Below you’ll find each question we asked, along with every party’s full response where one was given.
Animals Aotearoa is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, any party or politician.
This scorecard aims to raise awareness of farmed animal welfare in New Zealand and support informed public engagement with the political process. It summarises party positions on issues relevant to the mission of Animals Aotearoa: ending the suffering of farmed animals in Aotearoa New Zealand, kia mutu ai te whakataumaha i ngā kararehe pāmu.
How we created the scorecard.
We wrote to every political party registered at the time of contact, inviting them to answer five questions about their commitments to farmed animals. We assessed each party’s answers against the specific commitments in our questionnaire, and we also looked at their public statements, published policies and actions over the last term of government, including responses they gave to other animal welfare organisations. This helped us build a fuller picture of where each party stands, including those that chose not to respond. Every party that replied is included, and their answers are published in full so you can read their positions in their own words.
Parties that did not respond are included if they are currently in Parliament or polling over 5%
Please note that an emoji score cannot convey nuance of policy or statements. Our issue summaries are an indication of position, not a detailed breakdown. For a fuller picture, we recommend reading the written answers, reading party manifestos, and asking candidates directly.
Promoted by Marianne Macdonald, PO Box 275, Nelson 7040