New Zealand animal rights group alleges oversight failures by Minister Hoggard

The animal rights organization SAFE For Animals has accused the New Zealand Coalition Government of failing to address a formal complaint regarding Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard’s oversight of the animal welfare portfolio.

According to SAFE, the complaint—lodged over ten months ago—alleges a pattern of decisions that prioritize industry interests over animal welfare. Specific concerns cited include the proposed reversal of the live export ban, the continued use of farrowing crates despite a High Court ruling, and Minister Hoggard’s public endorsement of rodeo. The organization claims these actions suggest industry capture and a disregard for independent advice.

After receiving no meaningful engagement from the Prime Minister’s Office or Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, SAFE has escalated the matter to the Office of the Auditor-General, citing a lack of accountability and failures in the government’s response process.