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Animal Justice Party Aotearoa New Zealand | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Founded | 2022 [1] |
| Registered | Yes |
| Preceded by | Animal Justice Auckland [2] |
| Headquarters | 27F Whatawhata Road, Dinsdale, Hamilton |
| Membership (2025) | 740[ citation needed ] |
| Ideology | Animal welfare |
| Website | |
| animaljustice | |
The Animal Justice Party Aotearoa New Zealand (AJP) is a registered political party in New Zealand. The party advocates non-violence towards animals, sustainability, and a move away from animal-based agriculture. [3] [4]
The AJP was founded after discussions with the Animal Justice Party in Australia, who also gave permission to use the name. The original policies of the AJP were closely aligned with the Australian party, but have since been extensively revised and expanded to reflect New Zealand, and coverage of animal, planet and people issues. [5] AJPANZ was registered as an Incorporated Society on 11 November 2022. [1] In May 2023 the party was granted $66,332 in broadcasting funding for the 2023 New Zealand general election, provisional upon registration. [6] The party applied for registration with the Electoral Commission on 31 July 2023. [7] It was registered on 16 August 2023. [8]
The AJP says they believe that all animals, regardless of form, deserve the right to live and thrive. They say that animals currently face cruel, inadequate and exploitative conditions that prioritise human interests over their inherent rights and well-being. They advocate for systemic change, regulatory reforms and safeguards that prioritise the rights and value of non human life. [9]
They would:
The AJP wants to switch to a plant-based economy that respects sentient animals. It states that climate change is one of the most urgent challenges we face, and that it is caused by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, the destruction of natural ecosystems and intensive animal farming. It calls for urgent action on climate change and a phased switch to plant based diets. [9]
They would:
The AJP seeks to create a society where the welfare, and ability to thrive, of both humans and other animals is at the forefront, guided by compassion, inclusivity, just governance, and a commitment to sustainability. [9]
They would:
In addition to being a political party, the AJP also acts as somewhat of an advocacy group, hosting petitions for or against government actions.
Mud farming, also known as intensive winter grazing, is a practice are confined over winter to outdoor feeding areas planted with annual forage crops. [31] AJPANZ claims that it causes immense harm to animals and our environment and created a template to send a submissions to government ministers and the Southland mayor, urging them to thoroughly investigate farms to ensure they aren't mud farming and to establish a Minister for Animals to enforce animal welfare laws. [32]
Live exporting is the practice of shipping living livestock overseas by sea. It has been illegal in New Zealand since April of 2023, the current coalition government has promised to overturn that ban. AJPANZ has a petition urging the government to keep the ban and it also hopes to convince individual ports, local councils and the global community to take policy positions against live export. [33]
In the run up to the 2023 New Zealand general election, the party announced they had reached 1000 followers on Facebook and 280 party members. [34]
The party ran 17 candidates in the 2023 New Zealand general election. [35] Two polls conducted for 1 News in September 2023 indicated that support for the Animal Justice Party was around 0.3 to 0.4 percent. [36] The party ultimately received 0.17% of the party vote, earning no seats. [37]
The party ran a candidate in the 2023 Port Waikato by-election, coming fourth. [38]
In the 2025 local elections, the party is standing candidates for mayor in Auckland [39] and in Hamilton, [40] and for seats on the Whanganui District Council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. [41] [42]
In an August 2025 national poll, the AJP registered at 1% support for the first time. [43]