Statement on use of animals in research and teaching

As an internationally recognised research institution, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington conducts a small amount of teaching and research involving the use of animals.

These activities support important work that is crucial to conservation efforts for New Zealand native species, as well as lab-based research into behaviour and addiction, drug action, and the molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease that can only be answered using animal models.

In some cases, animals are also used in low-impact teaching activities using animals (such as field or laboratory-based observations of natural behaviours and interactions).

The primary aim of our research is furthering knowledge that could lead to the development of new treatments in both humans and animals.

All activities involving live animals are governed by the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and must meet the standards set out in the University’s Code of Ethical Conduct, approved by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

The Animal Ethics Committee

Animal research at the University is overseen by its Animal Ethics Committee, which makes ethical decisions regarding proposed research and provides oversight for the projects, facilities, and procedures to maintain animal welfare. Included in the Committee’s membership are an animal welfare representative and a veterinarian.

As part of its activity, the Animal Ethics Committee is guided by the principles of reducing the need for animals in research, refining the way research is performed to reduce harm and maximise benefit from research programmes and, where possible, eliminating the need to use animals in research altogether. Concerns for animal welfare are paramount in the ethical approval process, and our staff are passionate about the welfare of the animals used in our research.

Openness Agreement

The University was an inaugural signatory to the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCAART) Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in New Zealand. 

Through this agreement, we are committed to openness, public engagement, and transparent reporting on the use of animals in our research and teaching activities.

We recognise the importance of open dialogue with members of the public about why, when, and how animals are used in research and teaching.