10. Question No. 10—AgricultureGARETH HUGHES (Green) to the Associate Minister of AgricultureQuestion No. 10—Agriculture10. GARETH HUGHES (Green) to the Associate Minister of Agriculture: What extra steps if any are MPI taking to ensure animal abuse in the farming sector is identified and addressed effectively and without delay following the footage released over the last week by SAFE and Farmwatch?Hon MEKA WHAITIRI (Associate Minister of Agriculture): The video footage pertaining to the Northland farmer released by Save Animals from Exploitation (SAFE) and Farmwatch is currently being investigated by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). Last week I announced by Framework for Action on Animal Welfare in New Zealand. It identifies four pillars: an independent voice in animal welfare; transparency and inclusive decision-making; strengthening codes across all uses of animals ensuring they set high standards and underpinned by effective monitoring and enforcement; and capacity-building to ensure that people have the skills and capacity to meet animal welfare standards. I am engaging with the Chief Executives Forum so they are clear on my expectations that they will provide industry leadership as well as being involved in the development of the framework.Gareth Hughes: Does she agree that this case highlights the need to establish an independent commissioner for animals to promote oversight of welfare issues and to be a voice for animals?Hon MEKA WHAITIRI: Since becoming the Minister responsible for animal welfare I have heard many views on animal welfare calling for an independent voice for animal welfare including at my recent animal advocates hui in June. My framework for action outlines the need for an independent voice for animal welfare to ensure advice on animal welfare is future thinking timely trusted and well-informed. As part of this Cabinet will consider the possibility of establishing an independent voice such as an animal welfare commissioner.Gareth Hughes: Will she consider amending the law to allow CCTV surveillance on farms and slaughterhouses as is happening in France the UK and Israel or promote the use of cameras with landowner permission as is currently allowed under the law?Hon MEKA WHAITIRI: At present the current legislation does not allow MPI or any other law enforcement agency to trespass and install covert cameras on private property for any offence under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. There is currently no Government policy on the use of permitted cameras on farms but my expectation is for the industry to step up and ensure there is support to identify animal welfare issues and that the appropriate avenues to report such issues are available.Gareth Hughes: Will she consider whistleblowing protections for workers who make complaints about animal abuse?Hon MEKA WHAITIRI: There are confidential hotlines for farmers and workers who can provide information on potential animal welfare offences. The Protected Disclosures Act exists to encourage employees and contractors to report serious wrongdoing including criminal offending in the workplace and provide protection to whistle-blowers. In the case of potential animal cruelty contractors and employees on farms should report this immediately to MPI as the appropriate authority to investigate. My expectation is industries support those farmers they represent at the farm gate in understanding what the rights and avenues for reporting animal welfare issues are. My animal welfare framework for action will address these situations further.Gareth Hughes: Will she request a ramp up of random and repeat inspections for farms subject to complaints?Hon MEKA WHAITIRI: I'm informed by MPI there are currently 183 active investigations under way involving animal welfare with 23 animal welfare inspectors across New Zealand 4.9 million milking cows alone with 14 million hectares of farmland in New Zealand to cover. I will assure through my framework the capacity for effective and timely enforcement is accounted for. This work is currently being developed.Gareth Hughes: Does she agree that New Zealand shouldn't be reliant on animal welfare groups such as SAFE and Farmwatch to gather evidence on animal abuses?Hon MEKA WHAITIRI: Cruelty to animals is not accepted by any New Zealander across the country. I want to thank those animal advocate groups who have stepped up but like I said in my former answers industry also has to play its role to ensure that no animal cruelty is allowed on any of our farms in our homes or wherever we have animals.Mr SPEAKER: Just before I call the member I have been advised that there's been a fire alarm in the Beehive and as a result of that that building is currently being evacuated. I want to indicate that I'm also advised that there is no indication yet of there actually being a fire but can I make a suggestion to members who would normally go back that way that they might be entertained and stay for at least the first part of the general debate until that matter is clarified.