Napier live export protesters 'stoked' with ban announcement

Caz Pettersson, who organised most of Napier's protests over live exports, said she was stoked with the Government's decision to ban the practice. Photo / File

News that live exports will be banned in New Zealand is "bittersweet" for the woman who organised a protest movement against the practice in Napier.

Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor announced today that the export of livestock by sea would cease following a transition period of up to two years, citing New Zealand's reputation for high standards of animal welfare.

Caz Pettersson, who has helped organised seven protests outside the Napier Port in recent weeks, said her phone started buzzing as the announcement came through.

"I'm really stoked, as was everyone who has been involved with it."

It was nice to finally have their concerns about live exports heard, she said.

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"We are pleased that Minister Damien O'Connor has finally recognised the concerns about the ill treatment of animals. He's finally acknowledged what we know happens to them."

The Government has announced that the export of livestock by sea would cease following a transition period of up to two years. Photo / File

While she'd like to think they had helped contribute to the Government's decision, she was grateful to the many others who had voiced their concerns.

"I know there are a lot of groups who don't necessarily stand around with placards.

"So many people have written in about this to the government."

She said the two-year transition period, during which the practice would still be allowed, was "bittersweet".

She felt it might explain why there had been an increase in ships recently, with six ships passing through Napier Port over the past two weeks.

"That's a lot of cows that will get hurried out."

Pettersson said she would be celebrating the win with a few other protesters over the weekend.

The Government's decision has been a long time coming for animal rights protesters, with a review of the live export trade announced in June 2019.

O'Connor said this review had identified mixed perceptions of the activity.

Six live exports ships which have passed through Napier Port in the past two weeks were met by protesters. Photo / File

"There is split opinion about its long-term value and how it fits with the story we want to tell internationally to consumers.

"We must stay ahead of the curve in a world where animal welfare is under increasing scrutiny."

He said the transition period would allow impacted farmers, exporters, and importers time to adapt.

"During the transition period, exporters will meet the extra requirements that we introduced following the independent Heron report."

The report was carried out after the tragic loss of the Gulf Livestock 1 in September last year, in which 41 people, including two New Zealanders, and close to 6000 cattle died when the ship, which had loaded the stock on Napier, capsized in a typhoon in the East China Sea.

The report included reduced stock density, daily veterinary reports during voyages and increased minimum fodder requirements that ensure at least 20 per cent of feed is available for unplanned delays.

Live exports by sea represent about 0.2 per cent of New Zealand's primary sector exports revenue since 2015.

Federated Farmers estimate the trade is worth around $250 million in export receipts.