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 on the country’s North Island, but sank during a typhoon on its way to China, killing 41 men and nearly 6,000 live cattle.
“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,” said Victor Billot, communications officer at the Maritime Union of New Zealand.
In recent years, following a series of exposés into the industry, many nations have slapped significant restrictions on the livestock shipping business.
“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,” Billot said.
