Review of the code of welfare for rodeo animals

Have your say

The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) is seeking your views on proposed changes to the Code of Welfare: Rodeos.

The committee is seeking feedback on changes to how rodeos are run in New Zealand.

It has reviewed the current code and released a draft for public consultation. The draft code is proposing new minimum standards and extensive updates to existing minimum standards.

The proposed changes aim to improve the welfare of cattle and horses used in rodeos.

Anyone can make a submission. Submissions are important. They provide us with the evidence to ensure that the code reflects scientific knowledge, good practice, economic considerations, and changes in societal expectations. It’s your opportunity to ensure that your views are heard.

Consultation is open from 14 October to 5pm on 9 December 2026.

Consultation document

Proposed changes to the Code of Welfare: Rodeos [PDF, 475 KB]

What's being proposed?

NAWAC has proposed changing the definition of a rodeo to include public and non-public events. It also wants to update some minimum standards and introduce new ones.

Minimum standards that have been updated extensively

Responsibilities and stockmanship.
Selecting and handling animals.
Facilities and equipment.
Rope and tie.
Steer wrestling.
Team roping.

Proposed new minimum standards

Breakaway roping.
Training rodeo animals.
The use of animals for training rodeo participants.
Contingency planning.

Making your submission

Email your feedback on the draft code by 5pm on 9 December 2026 to animal.consult@mpi.govt.nz

You can make a submission through our online survey form.

Make an online submission – SurveyMonkey

You can also post written feedback to:

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

What to include in an email or written submission

Your submission should specify:

aspects you support and the reasons why
aspects you oppose and the reasons why
any alternatives to provisions of the draft code you wish to recommend.

We need to know your name, contact details, and whether you are making a submission on behalf of an organisation.

It would also be helpful if you could tell us which of these groups best describes your connection to the rodeo industry:

rodeo organiser
animal welfare officer
veterinary professional
rodeo competitor
stockperson
industry organisation
animal advocacy organisation
member of the public
transport or livestock company.

Or let us know if you'd prefer not to say.

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 to 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

Our privacy commitment

The Privacy Act 2020 applies to all submissions. Any personal information you provide will be used only for the purpose of informing this consultation. All submissions will be read by MPI staff. MPI may also use artificial intelligence (AI) to summarise content and identify key themes. All AI outputs will be subject to human review.

To find out about the personal information we collect, our approach to privacy and security, and your rights, refer to this web page: Privacy and security