Animals & the Screen Production Industry
New Zealand has highly developed standards of animal training and welfare. We recommend that you discuss your project’s needs with a New Zealand animal trainer and/or freight forwarding company that have experience in this area. Visit The Data Book, the New Zealand film and television industry reference guide, for New Zealand based contacts.
Importation of Animals
The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) administers New Zealand's bio-security laws through Biosecurity New Zealand. Because of New Zealand's geographical isolation, a unique range of plants and wildlife evolved here free from many of the pests and diseases which plague other countries.
Live animals may not enter New Zealand without meeting specific conditions. These will depend on the type of animal and country of origin. Entry conditions are described within Import Health Standards on the Biosecurity website. A Permit to Import may be required and animals may have to undergo Post Entry Quarantine at a MPI approved facility. Under certain circumstances these facilities may be actual film sets.
Under the Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species (CITES) some animals may be prohibited entry due to their protected status.
Information on regulations governing individual species can be found at:
In summary:
- Cats and dogs can be imported without quarantine from the United Kingdom, Hawaii, Australia, Singapore, Sweden and Norway.
- Horses from the European Union, USA and Canada require fourteen days quarantine in New Zealand.
- For more information contact Biosecurity New Zealand
Detailed information on regulations governing individual species can be found within the Import Health Standards on the Biosecurity New Zealand website. Please note that under the Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species (CITES) some animals may be prohibited entry due to their protected status.
Animal Training
New Zealand’s well developed standards of animal training and behavioural shaping techniques are recognised as being among the best in the world. Visit The Data Book, the New Zealand film and television industry reference guide, for New Zealand based animal trainers and wranglers.
Code of Practice for Animal Welfare
The Code of Practice for Animal Welfare in the New Zealand Screen Production Industry sets out recommended standards based on industry best practice that aim to ensure the welfare of animals used in screen productions. All people working in the screen production industry who may come into contact with animals should be familiar with this Code.
The Code is published by the Screen Production & Development Association (SPADA) and the New Zealand Film & Video Technicians' Guild (NZFVTG).
Download the Code of Practice for Animal Welfare in the New Zealand Screen Production Industry (pdf, 155.06kb).
Permits for Use of Animals
Permits are required for all Department of Conservation (DOC) administered land, commercial forestry land and regional parks. On privately owned land, including farmland, you must have permission from the owner. Your location manager, Film New Zealand or the relevant regional film office can assist you with this process.
Wildlife
Certain exotic species are available from animal and zoo collections. There are no snakes or dangerous animals wild in New Zealand.
New Zealand has a number of endangered wildlife species which are protected and are part of a Department of Conservation (DOC) endangered species program.
Zoos
Government Contacts
The New Zealand Customs Services is responsible for administering New Zealand's laws and regulations regarding people, goods and vehicles entering and leaving New Zealand.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) administers New Zealand's bio-security laws.
Both organisations are renowned for their efforts in facilitating visiting productions.
