Background

The National Animal Identification and Traceability (NAIT) project started in August 2004 when industry approached the Government to work together to improve animal tracing in New Zealand. An Animal Identification and Tracing Working Group was then established to consider domestic and international trends in animal identification and traceability, and propose a way forward to enhance New Zealand's existing systems. While current systems are adequate, demands for animal tracing will continue to increase for market access, and to meet biosecurity and other on- and off-farm needs.

In July 2005, the Working Group distributed a report for industry consultation and from the submissions received, industry agreed in principle to the changes proposed.

In March 2006, an Animal Identification and Tracing Governance Group was established to oversee the development of the new system under the name "NAIT" (national identification and tracing).  The NAIT Stakeholder Reference Group replaced the NAIT Governance Group in January 2010. As at 20 January 2010, the NAIT Stakeholder Reference Group members are:

• Ian Corney, independent Chairman
• Michael Spaans, DairyNZ
• Andrew Fox, Meat and Wool New Zealand
• Steve Murphy, Meat Industry Association
• John Hartnell, Federated Farmers
• Chris Mawson, New Zealand Food Safety Authority
• Kevin Old, Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand
• Douglas Birnie, Biosecurity New Zealand (MAF sponsor)
• Mark O'Connor, Deer Industry New Zealand
• Simon Tucker, DairyNZ (observer)

The Government and industry parties recently endorsed a detailed business case that included a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis.

The Government has agreed to provide funding support to build and operate the new system and to draw up legislation and regulations to make the scheme mandatory for cattle and deer farmers.

 An industry-owned NAIT body (a limited liability company) will oversee the delivery phase over 21 months (12 months to build NAIT followed by operational testing of the system). Work will include developing the software application and core IT system, communications, stakeholder liaison and training, delivery of NAIT legislation and regulations, and setting up the governance and day-to-day management functions.

A new mandatory animal identification and tracing system for cattle is proposed to be in place by late 2011. Deer will follow a year after the introduction of cattle.