New Zealand Government Seeks Feedback on Streamlining Homekill Rules

The government is consulting on changes that would simplify the process for consumers to buy a live animal from a local farmer and have it processed quickly. Currently, buyers must prove 28 days of active care before a homekill provider listed with MPI can process the animal. The proposed changes would remove that requirement and allow the animal owner, their household, or farm employees to consume the meat. The consultation also proposes labeling homekill and hunted meat to inform consumers that it has not undergone the same checks as retail meat, and it examines whether recreational hunters can share hunted meat more widely, especially with food banks. The consultation closes on 5 October 2026.