Background information about avian influenza and this consultation
There are various strains of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). The strain that is the subject of this consultation is HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b.
If this virus arrives in New Zealand and becomes widespread in wild birds, it's unlikely we'll be able to eradicate it. That is why we need to take a long-term management approach.
The proposals outlined in this consultation would empower the poultry industry to effectively and sustainably support the management of HPAI H5N1 in the long term.
Have your say
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) seeks your feedback on 6 proposals for developing regulations to manage HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in poultry. The proposals focus on commercial poultry, but some proposals might affect other poultry owners.
Submissions opened on 17 September and close at 11:59pm on 2 November 2025.
The 6 proposals
- Commercial poultry operators would be required to develop an avian biosecurity control programme to ensure they can sustainably manage HPAI H5N1 if it appears on their farm.
- All poultry operators/owners must meet appropriate biosecurity standards. This proposal would also apply to semi-commercial poultry operators and non-commercial poultry owners (including pet poultry birds), if regulations specify a method (or methods) for disposing of dead birds that could be required to be used.
- Commercial poultry operators must keep appropriate records and provide information to MPI when required.
- Avian biosecurity control programmes must be audited.
- Regulations provide for appropriate offences and penalties.
- Costs of auditing are at least partially recovered from commercial poultry operators.
Further details on each of the proposals are available in the discussion document. We have also prepared a summary of the discussion document and more detailed analysis in an interim regulatory impact statement.
Consultation documents
Discussion document: Proposed regulations for managing high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 in poultry [PDF, 1.3 MB]
Discussion document summary: Proposed regulations for managing high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 in poultry [PDF, 449 KB]
Interim regulatory impact statement: Managing high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 in poultry [PDF, 622 KB]
Related information
Biosecurity Act 1993 – NZ Legislation
Commercial poultry and avian influenza
Making your submission
Submit your feedback on the proposals by 11:59pm on Sunday 2 November 2025.
You can use the online form or email or post your feedback using the optional submissions template. Consultation questions in the submission template and online form are identical.
Email us your submission
If you are emailing or posting your submission, we encourage you to use our consultation template [DOCX, 745 KB]
Email your submission to BiosecurityPartnerships.Policy@mpi.govt.nz
Post your submission
While we prefer online or email submissions, you can post written submissions to:
Consultation: HPAI Regulations
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6011
New Zealand.
What to include
Make sure you tell us in your submission:
- the title of the consultation document (Proposed regulations for managing high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 in poultry)
- 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)
- your contact details (such as phone number, address, and email).
