Live animal export is an unpleasant, outdated trade that is at complete odds with New Zealand’s image as a progressive, environmentally conscious and ethical producer, according to Victor Billot, Communications Officer from the Maritime Union of New Zealand
“We’ve had problems in the past importing fuel from the northern hemisphere due to ships travelling through the tropics, so I can’t begin to imagine the suffering of live animals as they are shipped through incredible extremes in temperatures,” he says.
“When we discussed the issue as a union, even our wharfies were concerned about animal welfare, it’s not a nice trade, it’s not good for animals and it’s not something New Zealand should entertain with the reputation we’ve worked hard for as a quality exporter.”
The Maritime Union of New Zealand, which represents water siders and stevedores, has officially voted to oppose the resumption of live animal exports, in opposition to the government’s latest plans to resume the controversial trade.
Live animal exports were banned in New Zealand last year over welfare concerns and following the tragedy of the ship, Gulf Livestock 1, in 2020, which was loaded in the port city of Napier in the country’s North Island, but which sank during a typhoon on its way to China, killing 41 men and nearly 6000 live cattle.
“The government is talking about introducing a ‘gold standard’ in shipping for the resumption of the trade, but quite frankly that’s just a PR term and has absolutely no meaning,” explains Mr Billot.
“This government can’t even secure a decent ferry service between our North and South Island, so suggesting they can control international shipping to implement some kind of gold standard, whatever that means, is frankly laughable.
“The reality is that this is a trade which has continuously cut corners and where costs are constantly slashed. The conditions on those vessels are still going to be bad for the animals when everything about live export is focused on lowering costs.”
Mr Billot says the sinking of Gulf Livestock 1 – which killed two New Zealanders – was a terrible tragedy that also obliterated any credibility the live export industry had.
“The subsequent investigation showed that there were many problems with the ageing vessel, and I have no doubt that a similar tragedy could absolutely happen again if the trade resumes, there is no question about it,” adds Mr Billot. “Tragically, live export ships sink frequently around the globe, it’s just that we don’t hear about them.
“There is growing awareness in New Zealand that live animal export is wrong and it’s also unnecessary, it represents only a small percentage of our agricultural trade.
“New Zealand sells itself as a clean, green and ethical producer, and reinstating live export would be hugely damaging for our reputation, and a massive step backwards for our image as a country, as well as our animals.”