Animal and Plant Health NZ (APHANZ) has welcomed the passing of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Amendment Bill at its third reading, describing it as a major milestone for New Zealand’s primary sector and a step towards a more modern, efficient regulatory system.
The Bill passed by 101 votes to 21, showing strong cross-party support for improving access to innovation while maintaining robust safeguards and New Zealand-specific oversight.
APHANZ Chief Executive Dr Liz Shackleton said the vote reflects the broad support for systems modernisation to enable innovation needed by farmers, growers, veterinarians, biosecurity, and conservation teams.
“In one of the busiest legislative programmes on record, this is a landmark moment for New Zealand’s primary sector and the result of years of industry advocacy and constructive engagement for a more proportionate, transparent and efficient regulatory framework.
“Today’s vote reflects a common understanding across Parliament that timely access to tools matters to fight disease, manage pests, protect animal health, lift productivity and support sustainable biosecurity and food production systems.
“Eighteen months ago, Cabinet set the intent for a proportionate, transparent, timely and certain approval pathway. Industry continues to strongly back that intent and this is another important step in that journey,” said Dr Shackleton
She added that this legislation does not lower standards but opens the door to a smarter pathway that avoids unnecessary duplication while ensuring New Zealand-specific risks, environmental considerations, animal welfare requirements and market expectations are still assessed.
“The spotlight now shifts to consultation on the regulations, which will ultimately deliver Cabinet intent.
“New Zealand has been here before, standing at a familiar crossroads on how to embrace innovation. Early and thorough consultation, visible accountability settings and lived experience to inform practical regulations are what will translate Parliament’s intent into real-world outcomes.
“As a small country, our strength lies not in armour against every risk, but in having options - guided by science, evidence and collaboration. The regulations to come will be critical to deliver Cabinet intent, and early dialogue on their development essential,” said Dr Shackleton.
APHANZ is calling for early engagement between officials and industry on draft regulations to ensure the next phase delivers fit-for-purpose and workable rules.
“Our members stand ready to work with Government. Ministers have set the ambition - the regulations will decide whether it's achieved.
“Done well, this reform can accelerate access to newer, safer and more effective products, support the replacement of older tools, and give farmers, growers and veterinarians the modern toolkit they need to manage pests and fight disease.”
APHANZ also noted that wider legislative reform remains unfinished, with changes to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) framework still to be completed.
“The progress achieved to date shows what is possible when Government and industry focus on practical solutions.
“The work continues. We remain committed to broader regulatory modernisation and look forward to continuing the conversation essential to completing the wider reform programme,” said Dr Shackleton.
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