New Zealand Government proposes reforms to homekill and hunted meat rules

The New Zealand Government is consulting on reforms to homekill and hunted meat regulations, which have not been updated in 20 years. Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard stated that the changes aim to modernize rules to reflect contemporary farming and food-sharing practices.

A primary proposal involves removing the 28-day care requirement, which currently mandates that buyers of live animals prove they have personally cared for the animal before it can be processed by a listed provider. The government also seeks to expand the circle of people permitted to consume homekill meat, which is currently restricted to the animal owner, their household, and farm employees.

Additionally, the consultation addresses uncertainty surrounding the donation of hunted meat. Current vague regulations have discouraged hunters from donating venison and other game to foodbanks and charities. The proposed reforms aim to clarify these rules to facilitate meat donations, which are highly sought after by foodbanks.

To ensure transparency, the government is considering requirements for homekill and hunted meat to be labeled, notifying consumers that the products have not undergone the same checks as commercially sold meat. There are no proposed changes to the ban on selling homekill or recreationally hunted meat, nor to the requirements for processing providers, who must remain listed with the Ministry for Primary Industries.