This is not the case with all pork sold in New Zealand. New Zealand imports pork from over 20 countries, which means around 60% of the pork sold in New Zealand is from overseas. All these countries use farming practices that in some respects do not meet New Zealand’s animal welfare standards. We have no control over this.

The World Trade Organisation has rules which prevent animal welfare standards being a barrier to trade. Imported product may be cheaper than 100% New Zealand pork. New Zealand grown pork has higher costs of production in order to meet higher animal welfare standards, environmental and other regulatory requirements.

Countries that export to New Zealand have lower wage costs, feed costs and can produce pigs using practices that are illegal here, e.g. gestation stalls for sows.