In the ‘big story’ of combating climate change, there’s a chapter that often goes unnoticed: animal agriculture. Unfortunately, without examining that chapter, the story doesn’t make sense.  Here in New Zealand, where agriculture is a cornerstone of our economy, the connection between animal agriculture and greenhouse gas emissions is undeniable.  ...

By now, you may have come across the headlines about the government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, which has been gaining attention recently. You may even have heard some of the many concerns raised by environmentalists, animal welfare organisations, indigenous leaders and advocates across the spectrum.  But how did we get here?...

As a country known for its commitment to animal welfare and ethical standards, New Zealand has long prided itself on leading by example. One of the most significant steps we’ve taken in this regard is the ban on live export—a crucial measure that upholds our values and protects the well-being...

A year has now passed since a leaked draft Code of Welfare for Rodeo hit New Zealand headlines, proposing significant changes to the treatment of animals in rodeo events. Despite the urgency of the matter, the draft code is still in limbo, with the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC)...

In 2021, the Government announced it would phase out the export of cattle, sheep, deer and goats. On 30 April 2023, live export by sea was officially prohibited in New Zealand. Decades of evidence has indicated that animals suffer in the live export trade. In their review of the live...

Lockdown has been hard on us all. Not being able to do the things we love can have a detrimental effect on our mental health and wellbeing. Now imagine that your lockdown is forever. For animals trapped in aquariums, this is the sad reality. While they are on display in a tank that is a fraction of the size of...

One SAFE staffer recounts the beauty of summer days at the beach and the vast wonder it inspires in her and her tamariki.   There is nothing like summer days at the beach in Te Waipounamu (the South Island). Our special spot is a secluded southern bay. Sometimes we’re lucky...

I’ve always had an affinity with animals. I must have been around eight years old when my primary school teacher showed the entire school a video of what happens to animals after they leave the farm. That brave teacher got into a lot of trouble for showing us that video,...

On 16 April, the Government announced a review of greyhound racing in Aotearoa. The announcement came after SAFE, the Greyhound Protection League NZ and Grey2K USA Worldwide brought to light the plight of greyhounds trapped in the racing industry in New Zealand. The review is a great step forward, but will...

We Kiwis are pretty laid back. We’re way too busy having fun at the beach to start our New Year’s resolutions on 1 Jan! That’s why we’re a little late to the Veganuary party. But that’s okay, because here in Aotearoa, we’re extending our Veganuary celebrations right through February. And...

Today SAFE and the New Zealand Animal Law Association (NZALA) have published a full-page open letter in the New Zealand Herald, calling on the Prime Minister to appoint a Commissioner for Animals. In June 2020, SAFE and NZALA made legal history for mother pigs. For the first time in New...

Summer means barbeque season! If you’re new to plant-based eating, a barbeque invitation can be a little daunting ‒ but it doesn’t have to be. You just need the know-how. That’s where we can help. Barbeques and Christmas celebrations can be the perfect time to put on a plant-based extravaganza,...

In the lead up to this year’s general election, SAFE supporters rallied together to make sure animals were on the agenda. Thanks to the amazing support for this campaign, we are closer than ever to freeing all hens from cages in Aotearoa. It’s been clear for a long time that...

In just over 200 years, New Zealand has gone from being a country with no cows to being the biggest exporter of dairy in the world.  There are more cows in New Zealand than humans. Each one of these animals is a sensitive individual with their own unique experience of...