Discussion Document: National Animal Identification and Tracing Implementation Document

Enhancing New Zealand's animal identification and tracing systems

New Zealand needs to have world-recognised animal identification and tracing systems. Lifetime identification and traceability of livestock is becoming increasingly important for trade and market access, management of livestock diseases and providing assurance to consumers that their food is safe and of the highest quality.

Since 2004 the livestock industry and government have been considering ways to enhance existing livestock systems. The National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) project was established in April 2006 to design and develop the new system.

Submissions are now sought on the NAIT proposal prior to finalizing the system design:

The implementation document sets out the key attributes of the new system, why changes are needed, the purpose and objectives of NAIT and how NAIT will work. Core to the system is electronic recording of animal movements between properties. The document outlines the requirements of participants in the livestock sector and government, how the new NAIT system would be managed and how New Zealand will transition to NAIT.

Written submissions are due by 1 August 2008. An on-line submission form can also be found at:

Submissions on the document should be directed to:

Further information on NAIT can also be found at:

Page last updated: 13 June 2008