Animal and Plant Health NZ (APHANZ) today launched its 2026 Manifesto, calling for a fit-for-purpose regulatory framework to support innovation, investment, and supply‑chain resilience for the country’s primary sector.
APHANZ says today’s global instability highlights that now more than ever, New Zealand must future proof our settings to secure access to the essential tools farmers, growers and veterinarians depend on to ensure survival of our primary sector and economy.
“Animal and plant health products are at the heart of sustainable economic growth,” said Dr Liz Shackleton, Chief Executive of APHANZ.
“A resilient supply chain is essential to keep these products within reach. Reliable, cost‑effective access to innovation is vital for New Zealand to stay competitive and meet its goals for productivity, food security, environmental performance, biosecurity and animal welfare,” says Liz.
The manifesto outlines two core priorities for government:
- Back innovation
Ensure farmers, growers, and veterinarians have reliable, affordable access to a broad toolkit of products to tackle pests and diseases. - Leverage trusted regulators assessments and harmonised processes
Reduce duplication and align with trusted overseas regulators to deliver a more consistent, streamlined, timely approval process—and give innovators the certainty they need to invest in New Zealand.”
Liz says: “the system that adapts survives—and secures New Zealand’s long-term strength. We call on the Government to deliver a proportionate, efficient and transparent approval pathway now, so farmers, growers, and veterinarians can reliably access the products needed to tackle pests and diseases.”
“A clear Ministry for Regulation review roadmap is in place and Cabinet has set the course. Regulators have built the momentum. One year on, it’s now time to see that momentum convert into measurable results on the ground.
“With red tape and wider global pressures driving up costs, New Zealand has the opportunity to adapt now or face the consequences later.”
“Industry stands ready with lived experience and a blueprint with practical, solutions‑focused proposals to work alongside Government to do this,” says Liz.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich said the manifesto reflects concerns shared across the wider business community.
“Business NZ strongly supports APHANZ’s call for a modern, resilient regulatory system. Our members are seeing the same pressures - longer lead times, higher freight costs, reduced product availability, and global suppliers actively reassessing New Zealand’s commercial viability.
“These challenges are affecting the ability of companies to bring essential products into the country. Strengthening supply chain resilience and ensuring timely access to innovation is critical if New Zealand wants to remain competitive in a world where geopolitical shocks are becoming more frequent,” says Katherine.
APHANZ says the 2026 manifesto reflects a growing consensus across industry that New Zealand must urgently improve the regulatory approval pathway to remain competitive and resilient in an increasingly volatile world.
