Political direction
The party treats animals as sentient individuals, and argues for less harm from intensive farming, independent regulation and a shift to plant-based food.
No seats in ParliamentFull 2026 manifesto published
Animal Justice Party
Animal Justice Party Aotearoa New Zealand
Also known as: Animal Justice Party
Focused on animal rights and animal welfare, extending to policy on farming, food, conservation, public accountability and environmental sustainability.
The party in 60 seconds
Published policy claims
Animals and drug law reformElection promise
What this means
Phase out the most harmful factory farming and fishing methods, while funding farmers and rural communities through the transition.
Law, justice and rightsElection promise
What this means
Recognise animals in law as sentient individuals rather than simply property.
Law, justice and rightsElection promise
What this means
Establish an independent animal commissioner with enforcement powers and public accountability.
HealthElection promise
What this means
Increase plant-based food in schools, hospitals and public institutions, and improve food labelling.
Climate and environmentParty position
What this means
Argues for a faster shift from animal agriculture to a plant-based economy, support for farmers through the transition, and restoration of waterways, forests and wildlife habitat.
Evidence and checks
Verification note: The policy page does not give a target year, sector pathway or costs.
Economy and taxParty position
What this means
Argues for including environmental costs in economic decisions, developing a circular economy, local resilience and community projects, and measuring success by ecological health, social wellbeing and the treatment of animals.
Evidence and checks
Verification note: The policy does not give specific tax rates, thresholds or tax instruments.
Verified key people
Danette Wereta
Co-leader
Rob McNeil
Co-leader
What happened, in date order
Party record
2026 campaign manifesto published
The party published policy on animal welfare, farming transition, companion animals, food and public accountability.
PartyMap has not yet found an independent official assessment directly tied to this record.
Election
Contested the 2023 general election
The Animal Justice Party contested the 2023 general election but did not reach the threshold to enter Parliament.