Regulation of animal research in New Zealand

In New Zealand, animals are used in many situations for research, testing and teaching – commonly referred to as RTT.
Animal use in RTT is strictly controlled under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and organisations using animals must follow an approved code of ethical conduct. This sets out the policies and procedures that need to be adopted and followed by the organisation and its animal ethics committee (AEC). Every project must be approved and monitored by an AEC which includes lay members. The principles of the Three Rs are embodied in the Animal Welfare Act, the operation of all AECs, and all activities that involve the use of animals in research.
Introduction.
In New Zealand, it is legal under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 (the Act) to use animals for research, testing and teaching (RTT) purposes. However, because the nature of this work may, in some cases, mean that potential benefits to humans, other animals or the environment may result in some harm to animals, such use carries significant responsibilities and strict legislative obligations.
Statistics.
The Ministry for Primary Industries reported that 310,287 animals were used in New Zealand in 2014. The most common species used were cattle (24.3%), mice (18.8%), sheep (14.4%), fish (13.3%), birds (10.2%) and deer (8.1%). The large number of livestock used in research reflects the large amount of agricultural research conducted in New Zealand.
The most common areas of research were 'Basic biological research' (24.3%), 'veterinary research' (19.2%), 'teaching' (16.9%) and 'animal husbandry' (15.4%). According to the Ministry for Primary Industries, only 24% of animals die, or are euthanised, as part of the research. 1.9% of animals used in 2014 were transgenic.
Legislation.
Part 6 of the Act applies specifically to the use of animals for RTT purposes.
Under the Act:
The Three Rs.
The Three Rs – Replacement, Reduction and Refinement – relate to the ethical use of animals in RTT. 
The importance of the Three Rs is demonstrated by the New Zealand Three Rs Programme, a collaboration between the Massey University Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, MPI, the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) and NAEAC. The key aims of the Programme are:
The Three Rs have been incorporated into New Zealand’s legislation as can be seen in the following section on AEC considerations.
Animal ethics committees.
The legislation requires that AEC members consider any RTT project using animals. Their questions must include the following:
In considering projects, AECs may approve the work, they may require certain conditions to be put in place before approval is granted, or they may reject the proposal. They are also required to monitor compliance with any approved project, and can suspend or revoke the approval if necessary.
The National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee.
The National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) is an independent committee whose membership includes animal welfare experts, veterinarians, scientists and lay people. It provides independent, expert advice to the Minister for Primary Industries on policy and practices relating to the use of animals in RTT. The committee also provides advice and support to AECs to maximise good decision-making. Assistance is provided in the following ways:
NAEAC also presents an annual "Three Rs Award" which recognises achievement in implementation of the Three Rs by an individual or organisation.