NZ ban on live export by sea to come into effect following final ship departure

New Zealand Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has confirmed that the country’s final voyage of live export by sea departed New Plymouth on Friday, April 21, thus bringing an end to such voyages following a two-year transition period.

Mr O’Connor said the transition period allowed affected local farmers the time to adjust their supply chains and move to different business models.

Following a review into New Zealand’s live export sector, the government decided to cease live export by sea over a two-year transition period ending April 30, 2023. Mr O’Connor remarked that the move, which is supported by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, seeks to ensure that the country’s reputation for ethical trade “is not at risk”.

Since 2015, live exports by sea have represented only 0.32 per cent of New Zealand’s primary sector export revenue.

The vessel that sailed on New Zealand’s final live export voyage is the Panamanian-flagged 7,285DWT Dareen operated by Dubai-based Mira Shipping.