Should vegetarians go vegan? Let’s weigh up the evidence

The rise of ‘plant-based’ diets seems like a win for those who decry eating meat. But some vegan groups claim the halfway step of vegetarianism is ineffectual if you really care about animal cruelty, climate change, or your own personal health. An article in the Guardian last year asked “Why do people hate vegans?”, suggesting … Read more

Pets or steak? The inside story of a bovine brouhaha in the suburbs

Summer reissue: An urban farm in Auckland has been raising cows for meat for years. This time, they decided to involve the community in the process – but the backlash was so intense, the plan was canned. Alice Neville talks to those involved about what went down, and what we can learn from the saga.  … Read more

The dark side of horse racing

After the deaths of two more horses, sparks have once again flared between animal rights groups and the racing community. Trainers and activists both love horses, but only one side has the resources to do anything about it. This story was first published in August 2019 At a Taumarunui Racing Club meet in Rotorua at … Read more

Pets or steak? The inside story of a bovine brouhaha in the ‘burbs

An urban farm in Auckland has been raising cows for meat for years. This time, they decided to involve the community in the process – but the backlash was so intense, the plan was canned. Alice Neville talks to those involved about what went down, and what we can learn from the saga.  A sprawling, … Read more

The Bulletin: Animal rights hit the agenda

Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Animal rights concerns hit the agenda, tenancy law changes set to be announced, and PM Ardern gives her first minister the boot.   Animal rights has been big news over the weekend, with a 500 strong protest in Auckland. Māori TV was there, and the quotes they gathered … Read more

Aidee Walker: Why I made a TV ad calling for Countdown to stop selling battery eggs

The star of a confrontational new television commercial explains why she felt compelled to help save hens from the cruelty of battery cages. Update: Late last week, in apparent response to the upcoming SAFE ad, Countdown supermarkets announced they will remove battery-caged and colony-caged eggs from their own-brand range by 2022, the same year battery … Read more