Source: Radio New Zealand
Andrew Hoggard. RNZ / Angus Dreaver
A decision to allow the continued use of farrowing crates and mating stalls is the straw that broke the camel’s back for animals rights activsts.
In the past few months, associate agriculture minister Andrew Hoggard, responsible for animal welfare, has drawn intense criticism from animal welfare organisations, particularly for new pig welfare regulations.
The minister’s work to extend the use of sow farrowing crates and mating stalls was agreed to by select committee last week, giving farmers a decade before they need to comply with larger stalls pigs will spend less time in.
Now, animals rights organisation SAFE has asked Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to take the portfolio away from Hoggard, due to what it called a lack of impartiality and conflicts of interest.
“Hoggard’s persistent efforts to undermine and weaken [the Animal Welfare Act 1999] demonstrates clear and significant conflicts with this mandate,” it said in the complaint signed by chief executive Debra Ashton.
“During his tenure as the minister responsible for animal welfare, Minister Hoggard has gained a reputation for ignoring independent animal welfare science, disregarding the advice of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), sidestepping equitable consultation, and contravening High Court rulings.”
But Hoggard said his farming background and CV showed he was qualified for the role.
“Well, I think SAFE wouldn’t be happy unless there was a vegan in the role who was totally opposed to farming effectively,” he said.
“They want an end to people owning pets, people being able to use animals for agriculture, and all the rest of it.”
From lobbyist to legislator, the Rangitīkei dairy farmer and former Federated Farmers president began his first term in parliament in late 2023.
“I think you compare me to anyone previously in any agriculture role in government, I think my CV stacks up rather impressively,” he said.
Luxon received the complaint from SAFE and said Hoggard had assured he was compliant with the Cabinet Manual 2023.
“The prime minister expects all his ministers to follow the Cabinet manual guidance. Mr Hoggard has assured the PM’s Office that he has followed that guidance,” a spokesperson said.
The Cabinet manual said ministers were responsible for ensuring that no conflicts existed or appeared to exist between their personal interests and their public duty.
Hoggard was also the minister for biosecurity, food safety and associate minister for the environment.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
