What does good animal welfare look like in a time of rapid scientific progress, shifting societal expectations, and growing demand for transparency? This session will explore how the concept of animal welfare is evolving in New Zealand and globally—shaped by new research, changing regulations, and the increasingly critical role of public perception.
We’ll take a closer look at how welfare is defined and assessed across different contexts, from production animals and working animals to companion and research species. The discussion will also consider the balance between scientific evidence and ethical considerations, and how this balance informs the development of policy, standards, and compliance systems.
As technology transforms how we interact with animals and monitor their wellbeing, and as public interest in animal welfare continues to grow, we’ll examine the challenges and opportunities facing both industry and government. What role does social license play? How do we stay ahead of global expectations? And what does it take to maintain trust while continually improving welfare outcomes?
Join us for an engaging conversation on the future of animal welfare—and the collaborative effort needed to navigate what’s next.
Tuesday 19 August
4.00pm - 5.30pm
Mrs O’s Cafe, Lincoln University
We hope to see you there!
Timings
4:00pm – Arrival and networking
4:10pm – Welcome from Prof. Chad Hewitt, Provost, Lincoln University
4:15pm – Overview from Dr. David Scobie on what LU is doing in this space
4:20pm – Keynote presentation
4:45pm – Q&A
5:00pm – Networking
5:30pm – Event concludes
About Our Speakers
Kate Littin, Animals. People. Nature
Kate Littin is a lifelong advocate for te taiao nature and is committed to supporting businesses to make positive change.
She is inspired by her upbringing in the bush of West Auckland and Northland. Kate brings her experience and expertise as a scientist in research, policy, regulation and intergovernmental collaborations to the Board, and to her role as Chair of the Society’s busy Wellington Branch.
She also volunteers at local conservation projects as well as having various board and committee roles for nature-focussed causes and animal welfare.
Kate is growing her own consultancy business and starting a charitable science organisation. Future focussed, Kate wants to see the environment and people’s connection to it valued so that as a country we can take Aotearoa forward.
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