The PSA opposes the Government’s proposal to privatise export red meat inspection services.
MPI’s proposal would mean that most of New Zealand’s inspection of red meat for export would no longer be carried out by independent inspectors employed by AsureQuality, the government-owned independent meat inspection organisation. Instead, most of the inspection would be done by staff employed directly by the meat companies themselves. It’s a case of the fox guarding the henhouse, and company staff will face pressure to focus on speed instead of safety.
The PSA’s submission on the proposal
The PSA made a submission on the proposed changes. You can read our submission here.
What happens next
Public consultation on the proposal ended on 23 January 2026. Now officials at MPI will be considering the feedback they received before making final decisions.
We will be continuing to raise our concerns about this proposal and seeking regular updates from MPI about the proposal. If you’re a PSA member at AsureQuality you’ll get updates from us when there’s new information.
What you can do
Talking to your local MP is an important way of making sure politicians from all parties know what’s being proposed and why it’s a bad idea.
We’ve made some resources to help you meet with your local MP to talk about the issue.
- A guide for members providing information about how to approach your local MP and what you could say in your meeting
- A factsheet for MPs that you can take with you to your meeting and leave with your MP.
If you do meet with your local MP, we’re keen to hear about how it went. Email andrew.mccauley@psa.org.nz to let us know.
See what the PSA has been saying
Plan to privatise meat inspectors risks food safety & export markets (November 2025)
Food quality and safety will suffer if meat inspection service is privatised as Govt proposes (June 2025)
Govt's own meat inspection service damns flawed privatisation plan
Check out media coverage of the issue
How the sausage is made could be about to change: Meat inspectors fear MPI changes | The Post
Meat self-inspection plans could impact food safety, warns PSA - NZ Herald
Trial of meat inspection system begins | RNZ News
Privatised meat inspections could increase costs, reduce flexibility - report | RNZ News
Leaked BDO report says privatising meat inspections will drive up costs | The Post
