National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC)

This committee has been established under the Animal Welfare Act to provide independent advice to the Minister of Agriculture about:

  • ethical and animal welfare issues relating to the use of animals in research, testing and teaching
  • recommendations on the restrictions of use of non-human hominids
  • advice to Animal Ethics Committees
  • the development and review of codes of ethical conduct

A full list of NAEAC’s functions can be found under section 63 (offsite link to www.legislation.govt.nz) of the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

In addition, NAEAC produces an annual report and these can be found at: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/regs/animal-welfare/naeac/annual-reports

Who belongs to the committee?

Most members of NAEAC are nominated by organisations but chosen on the basis of their expertise. They do not represent the nominating organisation on the committee.

The Minister of Agriculture appoints each member, and the committee comprises:

  • A Chairperson;
  • A maximum of nine other members.

There are a range of skills needed to be a member of NAEAC and knowledge and experience is needed in:

  • veterinary science;
  • medical science;
  • biological science;
  • commercial use of animals;
  • ethical standards and conduct in respect of animals;
  • education issues, including the use of animals in schools;
  • manipulation of animals in research, testing and teaching;
  • animal welfare advocacy;
  • any other area that the Minister considers relevant.

The committee's current membership is as follows:

  • Dr Karen Booth BSc BVSc CertVR MACVSc, Manager Regulatory Affairs, Pfizer Animal Health (nominated by Agcarm Inc)
  • Mr Ian M Buchanan BSc (Hons), company director (nominated by Local Government New Zealand)
  • Ms Allison L Dodds MSc (Honors), Dip Tchg, Head of Science and Technology Faculty, Queens High School (nominated by the Ministry of Education)
  • Professor Martin A Kennedy BSc (Hons), PhD, Department of Pathology , University of Otago, Christchurch (nominated by the Health Research Council of New Zealand)
  • Hon Robyn J Kippenberger Dip Home Science, Dip Tchg, National Chief Executive, Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (nominated by RNZSPCA)
  • Dr Peter D Larsen BSc (Hons), PhD, Senior Lecturer, University of Otago, Wellington (nominated by the Royal Society of New Zealand)
  • Dr David R Morgan MSc, PhD, Senior Scientist, Landcare Research NZ Ltd (nominated by Landcare Research)
  • Dr Justine H Stewart BVSc, Technical Director, Auckland Meat Processors
  • Dr Virginia M Williams BVSc, MACVSc, DipProfEthics, (independent chairperson)

To find out more about the use of animals in research.

Page last updated: 5 December 2011