Protecting the health and welfare of New Zealand horses.
Who is the New Zealand Equine Health Association?
The New Zealand Equine Health Association (NZEHA) is a non-goverment organisation that operates under charitable status. It was formed in 1998 in response to changes in animal and biosecurity law laid out in the NZ Biosecurity Act 1993.
The NZEHA represents all equine organisations in matters relating to equine health, equine welfare and equine disease incursion. This is particularly important when consulting with Government as it presents a unified, informed representation of the equine industry’s views.
Membership of NZEHA is open to all nationally recognised equine organisations. It is administered by a Committee which comprises of members from the following organisations: NZTR, Equestrian Sports NZ, NZ Pony Clubs, NZ Royal Agricultural Society and via them Equine Breed Societies, NZ Racing Intergrity Board (NZRIB), NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, Harness Racing NZ, NZ Standardbred Breeders’ Association, NZERF/Equine Trust, New Zealand Equine Veterinary Association. One member represents the equine service organisations, such as transport, farriery and sales and the NZRIB veterinary advisor also joins the committee.
Some of the key work of the NZEHA includes:
Advocating at government level for the NZ Equine Industry on matters relating to Equine disease and welfare.
Developing the National Equine Identification & Traceabiluty (NEIT) System to best prepare our industry to respond quickly and efficiently to a post border equine disease outbreak.
Establishing the Equine Welfare and Ethics Group, with the focus of protecting the welfare and ethics surrounding our interactions with equines in NZ.
The Chair of the NZEHA is Dr Ivan Bridge, who leads a board of directors who bring a wide array of expertise to the NZEHA. To contact any of the representatives of the NZEHA including affiliated organisations go to the contact page.
To view reports from the chairman click here.
Our Partners
Our partnership with Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA)
The Government Industry Agreement (GIA) operates as a partnership between primary industry and government to manage pests and diseases that could badly damage New Zealand’s primary industries, economy, and environment.
Under GIA, Signatories share the decision-making, responsibilities and costs of preparing for – and responding to – biosecurity incursions. By working in partnership, industry and government can achieve better biosecurity outcomes.
Access the full GIA Deed below.
To find out more about the full constitution of the New Zealand Equine Health Association click on the button below.
Stay in the loop.
To contact any of the Equine Industry Representatives on the NZEHA head over to our contacts page. Alternatively you can also sign up for our newsletter which will keep you in the loop with any significant updates relating to equine health and welfare.