Proposed changes to the Trade in Endangered Species (TIES) Act 1989
Introduction
We asked you to have your say on how to improve the TIES Act to help New Zealand support endangered species. Submissions closed 25 October 2019.During September and October 2019, we asked your view on the ways we proposed to update the TIES Act and help regulate elephant ivory trade.
The updates aim to improve the Act’s definitions so it can be implemented clearly and efficiently. We also asked for your view on options to ban or restrict the elephant ivory trade.
What was proposed?
Our consultation discussion document set out the challenges and ways to solve them. In it, we asked a series of questions to guide feedback for the consultation.
The document includes reviews and suggestions for the following areas:
- the trade of elephant ivory
- travel with taonga
- travel with personal and household effects
- technical errors on permits
- cost of certain activities
Background
The TIES Act implements the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in New Zealand. It also promotes the protection of endangered species to enhance their survival.
Things have changed since the Trade in Endangered Species (TIES) Act became law in 1989. In the 1989 version, technical issues and unclear definitions have made it harder for New Zealand to implement the Act.
This includes growing concern worldwide about elephant ivory sales and its role in the decline of elephant populations through poaching. As of 2019, there is no ban or restrictions on the elephant ivory trade in New Zealand.
What happened next?
All feedback was reviewed and informed DOC’s recommendations to the Minister of Conservation to amend the TIES Act.
Cabinet agreed to the proposed changes on 3 August 2020. Read the supporting Cabinet paper and other documents.
The Minister of Conservation outlined the decision in a press release in September 2020. Read the release.
The Government will draft an Amendment Bill which will be introduced during the next Parliament.
After the Bill is introduced it will be referred to Select Committee. At this stage, there will be another opportunity for public input before it becomes law.
Questions?
We are no longer taking feedback on the discussion document. However, if you have questions about the feedback review or next steps, email:
