11. Question No. 11—AgricultureGARETH HUGHES (Green) to the Minister of AgricultureQuestion No. 11—Agriculture11. GARETH HUGHES (Green) to the Minister of Agriculture: Will he ban calf roping at rodeos in light of yesterday's National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee's report that agreed neck pain and injury from lassoing was the key issue" with calf roping?Hon STUART NASH (Minister of Police) on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture: Fakalofa lahi atu Mr Speaker. On behalf of the Minister two expert committees—the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) and the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee—were independently established under the Animal Welfare Act to provide advice on animal welfare matters. This ensures the advice the Government receives is independent trusted and informed by science and good practice. The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee's rodeo report released yesterday looked into the seven rodeo events and found some areas of animal welfare that could be improved under the current regulatory system. As a result of the report rodeo organisers with the SPCA the New Zealand Veterinary Association and the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) will establish an animal welfare committee to provide better oversight of rodeos. Their work will include considering the modification of events and equipment to improve animal welfare.Gareth Hughes: Does the Minister agree with the 2017 Labour Party position to ban flank straps and the use of calves under 12 months old at rodeos?Hon STUART NASH: On behalf of the Minister under this coalition Government just last month there was a change to the regulation that states that equipment such as flank straps can't cause injury. We are working with the experts to ensure that animal welfare is to the fore.Gareth Hughes: What will the Minister do to protect calves—some as young as three months old—who are chased lassoed jerked off their feet violently by their necks and wrestled to the ground when the report says the physical pain from this persists after the event?Hon STUART NASH: On behalf of the Minister the independent NAWAC report calls for greater research into alternatives to mitigate risks for animals at rodeos—for example using alternative equipment. NAWAC has asked for closer assessment of animals in the 48- to 72-hour period after rodeos so we have a better understanding of any injuries caused. The committee established to consider these issues includes vets animal welfare experts and MPI. It's important that we work together to find solutions to animal welfare issues.Gareth Hughes: On that point with the rodeo season about to start will he at the very least pick up the report's recommendations and regulate to ensure that less dangerous bungy cords are used on calves instead of rope lassos? Hon STUART NASH: On behalf of the Minister rodeos must follow the welfare code and the Ministry for Primary Industries and SPCA inspectors monitor compliance. It is paramount that New Zealand has the highest standards of animal welfare across all areas of our economy and society. Animal cruelty is unacceptable and those who break the rules can expect to be fined or prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and its regulations. As mentioned previously the animal welfare committee will work to include the modification of events and equipment to improve animal welfare.Gareth Hughes: Following on from the Minister's answer is he really comfortable outsourcing animal welfare changes to the rodeos and to the cowboys association and seeing continuing pain inflicted on animals for entertainment?Hon STUART NASH: On behalf of the Minister I depend on the independent scientific advice from NAWAC and I thank them for their work. The rodeo welfare committee includes experts from vets the SPCA and MPI so I'm confident it will be balanced in its work."