The law in New Zealand
The law in
New Zealand
The use of animals for research, testing, and teaching is legal in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This use ranges from activities that leave animals unharmed to those that cause pain, stress, suffering, or death.
How animal use is governed
All use of animals for scientific purposes sits within a formal legal and regulatory system. To better understand what this includes, visit our guide to animal testing and the harmful use of animals in science.
The legal framework
In Aotearoa New Zealand, the use of animals for research, testing, and teaching (science) is regulated under the animal welfare act 1999.
Animals used in science do not receive the same protections as other animals under the Act. This is because Part 6 of the animal welfare act specifically allows the use of animals for research, testing, and teaching under approved conditions.
These rules exempt scientific use from normal animal welfare laws, allowing pain or death in cases that would otherwise be unlawful.
Grasping how this system operates is crucial for understanding why animals remain in scientific use in NewZealand.
Any person or organisation wishing to use animals for scientific purposes must:
Operate under an approved code of ethical conduct (CEC)
Obtain approval from an animal ethics committee (AEC)
Animal ethics committees review proposed projects involving the use of animals and ensure they comply with the organisation’s code of ethical conduct, policies, and procedures.
The role of animal ethics committees
A key part of how AECs assess applications is through the 3Rs principle.
Animal ethics committees (AECs) play a central role in New Zealand’s system. They are responsible for approving and overseeing the use of live animals in research, testing, and teaching. AECs review applications from individuals or organisations proposing to use animals.
Applicants must explain:
- What they plan to do with the animals
- Why animals are needed
- How will harm be minimised
Projects must show that the expected benefits outweigh the likely harm.
This is explored further in our breakdown of how animal testing is regulated in New Zealand.
An AEC can:
- Approve the project
- Request changes
- Decline the application
If approved, the AEC is responsible for monitoring the project to ensure it complies with the agreed conditions. Over 20 AECs oversee more than 100 organisations using animals in NZ. Some serve several institutions.
Each AEC must include:
- A representative from an approved animal welfare organisation (currently the SPCA)
- A nominee from the New Zealand Veterinary Association
- A layperson representing the public interest
The 3Rs: replacement, reduction, and refinement
The 3Rs guide animal use in science:
- Replacement – use non-animal methods wherever possible
- Reduction – use the smallest number of animals possible
- Refinement – minimise pain, suffering, or distress
Animal ethics committees must consider the 3Rs when reviewing applications.
The law does not mandate replacing animals if an alternative method exists. Researchers must consider alternatives, but are not legally bound to use validated non-animal methods.
In practice, this framework regulates animal use rather than actively promoting replacement.
Learn more 3Rs: replacement, reduction and refinement explained , and how it compares to modern alternatives and non-animal methods.
The role of the New Zealand government
Two key government bodies monitor animal use for science in New Zealand:
Together, they help shape the system that governs animal use, which is outlined further in who oversees animal testing in New Zealand.
The role of the ministry for primary industries (MPI)
MPI is the government department responsible for animal welfare and oversees Part 6 of the animal welfare Act.
Its role includes:
- Approving codes of ethical conduct used by organisations
- Monitoring animal ethics committees, including independent reviews at least every five years
- Responding to complaints or non-compliance
- Collecting national statistics on animal use
- Publishing annual reports on animal use in science
- Advising the minister, alongside NAEAC
You can explore the data further in our breakdown of animal testing statistics in New Zealand.
The role of the national animal ethics advisory committee (NAEAC)
NAEAC provides independent advice to the Minister on ethical and animal welfare issues relating to the use of animals in science. It does not have enforcement powers, but plays an important advisory role. NAEAC also:
- Approving codes of ethical conduct used by organisations
- Monitoring animal ethics committees, including independent reviews at least every five years
- Responding to complaints or non-compliance
- Collecting national statistics on animal use
- Publishing annual reports on animal use in science
Advising the minister, alongside NAEA
- Provides guidance to animal ethics committees
- Makes recommendations to the Director-General of MPI
- Advises on Codes of Ethical Conduct
This advisory role highlights one of the wider barriers to ending animal testing in New Zealand.
Areas where the use of animals is restricted or prohibited
There are a small number of areas in New Zealand where the use of animals for scientific purposes is restricted or effectively prohibited under law.
Testing cosmetics on animals is banned in New Zealand
New Zealand has a legal framework governing the use of animals in science. However, regulation is not the same as transition.
In some areas, New Zealand law still requires animal testing for:
- Testing ingredients used in cosmetics, if the test is for another purpose (such as chemical safety)
- The import and sale of cosmetics tested on animals overseas
- New Zealand companies from testing on animals overseas to meet legal requirements in the countries where they want to sell their products.
Testing psychoactive substances (“legal highs”)
The Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 prevents animal test data (conducted in New Zealand) from being used to prove a product is safe. This discourages animal testing for these products. want to sell their products.
Use of some non-human primates
Under the NZ Animal Welfare Act, the use of great apes, such as:
- Gorillas
- Chimpanzees
- Bonobos
- Orangutans
Is only allowed with Director-General approval.
Regulations exist, but they do not drive replacement.
New Zealand has a legal framework governing the use of animals in science. However, regulation is not the same as transition.
In some areas, New Zealand law still requires animal testing for:
- Medicines, including vaccines
- Medical devices
- Veterinary products
- Hazardous substances
This is why understanding alternatives to animal testing and advancing scientific innovation are critical to progress.
While safeguards exist around how animals are used, there is:
- No legal requirement to replace animals with non-animal methods
- No national strategy to phase out their use
- No long-term roadmap for transition
In practice, the system manages animal use, but it does not actively drive change.
This is exactly what BAR is working to address through breaking down the barriers to progress.
New Zealand has the capability to do better. With regulatory reform and planned investment in alternatives, we can move toward a future where science prospers without harming animals.