Animal Welfare Policy

1. Purpose and scope:
   1.1.  New Zealand National Fieldays Society Inc. (“the Society”) is committed to the highest standard of legal, ethical, and moral behaviour.
   1.2.  As a large-scale event centre in New Zealand with many various events hosted and/or owned and operated at the property, this policy outlines the guidelines of welfare, code of practice and alignment with Ministry of Primary Industry guidelines.
   1.3.  The policy outlines expectations of the business as an employer and the expectations around animals in and around the workplace and/or construction sites from time to time.
   1.4.  The policy sets out the expectations for the safety of employees, visitors and suppliers around animals and animal welfare.
   1.5.  The policy will include reference to the various acts, which include:
   (i)  Animal Welfare Act 1999;
   (ii)  Dog Control Act 1996;
   (iii)  The National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) Act 2012; and
   (iv)  NZ Biosecurity Act 1993.
2. Definition
   2.1.  Animals include the following:
   (i)  Animals are defined as all non-human mammals which include bovine (beef and deer), ruminant mammals (e.g., sheep), domestic or tamed animals for either companionship, pleasure or guidance.
   (ii)  Horses and other animals deemed as pets or domesticated animals.
   (iii)  Small pets – e.g., Cats, Dogs, Birds, Mice & Rats, Guinea Pigs etc
   (iv)  Police Dogs, Police Horses, Biosecurity/Detection animals and other security type animals used in the protection of premises and people.
   2.2.  For clarity this policy excludes pests, vermin and other wildlife that are considered not protected, not domesticated, and are classified as pests under the Biosecurity Act 1993.
3. At Work Policy – Pets, Companions, or Disability Assist Animals
   3.1.  To ensure we meet our diversity and good employer reputation, the only animals that will be allowed to our work premises are approved guide dogs or disability assist animals (generally approved dogs).
   3.2.  As a place of work, we need to ensure the safety and comfort of our entire team. Many people are allergic to animals. We have no way to ensure that animals are vaccinated or free from other diseases or infestations.
   3.3.  This policy covers companion animals, bringing a pet to work, or any other animals deemed to be a pet.
4. Events (Owned and Non-Owned) Animal Welfare Policy
   4.1.  The Society’s position on animals at events is the following:
   4.1.1.  Generally, the Society does not support animals at any event held at Mystery Creek Event Centre with the following exceptions:
   (i)  Display animals (breed organisations, demonstration animals etc.). Any animal subject to the NAIT Act will be registered.
   (ii)  Animals used for guiding and impairment guiding with the necessary registrations and approvals.
   (iii)  If the event it hosted by a third party, then their policy will be jointly agreed to with the Society’s policy. However, clear restrictions and agreements will be agreed to prior to the event opening. All terms and conditions of the event host will need to be approved as part of the hire agreement.
   4.1.2.  Should the hosted event involve animals and/or pets (e.g., an A&P Show, Cat Show, Bird Show, or Equine event) then the event and the risks will be evaluated under the various Acts (as listed) and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2023.
   4.1.3.  At all times the welfare of the animals must be paramount, albeit weighed up against the health and safety of the customers and visitors. The Animal Welfare Act 1999 is very clear on matters of animal protection. Where necessary, a Vet or similar expert may be present during an event or the appointment of an animal welfare officer whose primary responsibility is to oversee the welfare of animals at the event.
5. Protections Available Under the Act
   5.1.  The protections for both the Society, the event owner, and the public, should be evaluated and enforced as per the various acts that will govern and protect both the Society, the event owner, and the public.
   5.2.  Given these are New Zealand governing law, the Acts will be the overarching decision-making tools to be considered in risk evaluation and the terms and conditions of the event owner and the agreed policy(s).
6. Confidentiality
   6.1.  The identity of the Notifier will be kept confidential unless that person consents to their identity being disclosed; or the person to whom the protected disclosure is reported reasonably believes that disclosure of identifying information is essential to the effective investigation of the allegations; or to prevent serious risk to health or safety or the environment or to ensure principles of natural justice.
7. Requirement to act in good faith.
   7.1.  The Society, events (owned and non-owned), and all employees are required to act in good faith. All parties must:
   (i)  act honestly, openly, and without hidden motives;
   (ii)  raise issues and concerns as soon as possible and respond to these quickly;
   (iii)  work constructively and positively together;
   (iv)  give each other relevant information ahead of when it is needed and as soon as possible;
   (v)  be fully honest with each other; and
   (vi)  treat each other with respect.
   7.2.  Where a party breaches the rules of good faith it may result in disciplinary action and loss of contract.
8. Policy Review
   8.1 This policy will be reviewed as deemed appropriate by the Leadership Team, at least once every three years.