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Proposed changes to the code of welfare for layer hens

Have your say

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) is consulting on proposed changes to how layer hens are housed in New Zealand.

NAWAC has reviewed the existing code of welfare and has released a new draft for consultation.

This consultation opened on 1 July and closes on 14 August 2026.

Consultation document

NAWAC proposed code of welfare changes for layer hens [PDF, 389 KB]

Related documents

Draft code of welfare for layer hens [PDF, 609 KB]

NAWAC layer hens code of welfare evaluation report [PDF, 715 KB]

Summary of proposals

Proposed changes include:

  • changing the existing minimum standard and recommended best practice for stocking density
  • altering several definitions, notably introducing "useable area," removing "aviary," and changing the definition of "barns".

Making your submission

Submit your feedback on the draft code by 5pm on 14 August 2026. You can make a submission using our online form, by email, or by posting your written comments to us.

Online

Code of welfare for layer hens proposed changes survey – Microsoft Forms

Email

animal.consult@mpi.govt.nz

Post

Code of Welfare: Layer Hens Submission 
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand.

What to include in email or postal submissions

Make sure you tell us:

  • the title of the consultation document (Proposed changes to the code of welfare for layer hens) 
  • your name and title 
  • your organisation's name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation, and whether your submission represents the whole organisation or a section of it)
  • what group you are most closely aligned with (for example, farming, animal welfare group, animal health professional, livestock company)
  • your contact details (such as phone number, address, or email).

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation