The Government is consulting on a proposal to privatise export red meat inspection services. The proposal would let meat companies inspect themselves instead of it being done by AsureQuality, the government-owned independent meat inspection organisation.
The PSA opposes this move, which will replace independent meat inspectors with meat company employees. The proposal is all about boosting the profits of meat companies by undermining the pay of workers and dismantling a proven, efficient and independent government owned service that keeps consumers safe from diseased and contaminated meat.
Info for AsureQuality members
If you're an AsureQuality worker there are five important things you can do to fight back against this proposal:
- Write your own personal submission on the proposal using our submission guide. We'll be making some resources to help with your submission. They'll be available on this page soon.
- Send us a copy of your submission to [email protected] so we can include your points and examples in the PSA's submission.
- Let us know any examples of the risks or problems with company inspection. Especially if you feel uncomfortable including this in your own submission and would rather we shared it anonymously. You can share this with your delegate, or email it to [email protected].
- Share our media releases and social media posts so as many people as possible know what's being proposed and why it's so bad. You can find our posts on Instagram and Facebook.
- Talk to your local MPs - we've created some resources to help with this.
Lobby your local MP
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 [email protected] 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)
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
