Update on NAIT
Introduction
Launched in July 2012, New Zealand’s NAIT programme requires all farmers, including lifestyle block owners, to tag and trace cattle and deer electronically. Its purpose is twofold: to support export market assurances and to safeguard against disease risks like foot-and-mouth or Mycoplasma bovis. Compliance has matured since its inception, and important updates now affect small-scale producers.
Major 2025 Updates
New system coming (May 2025)
OSPRI has launched a procurement process (starting 16 May 2025) to overhaul the online NAIT platform. The upcoming system will be more intuitive, mobile-friendly, and deliver improved traceability for disease management and export compliance.
Animal Status Declaration (ASD) revisions
MPI updated ASD forms effective 3 June 2025 to align with new EU veterinary medicine rules. Every movement, off-farm or to slaughter, must now be declared correctly using these updated forms.
New in 2025 – TB testing changes
OSPRI is moving away from TB testing schedules based only on Disease Control Area classifications. Instead, testing is now targeted to farms with higher risk factors such as frequent livestock movements, animals arriving from high-risk TB areas, and incomplete NAIT movement records.
Some herds may be tested sooner than expected, while low-risk herds may be monitored mainly through slaughter surveillance.
For full details, see our updated Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) guide.
Ongoing farmer reminders
As of 1 June 2025’s “Moving Day,” OSPRI has urged farmers to update herd details promptly, especially after relocations.
Core Compliance Requirements
Tagging & Registration
Cattle and deer must be tagged with NAIT-approved RFID tags within 180 days of birth or before first movement.
You must register tagged animals within seven days and before any movement off-property.
Tag exemptions apply to bobby calves (under 30 days), unsafe-to-tag animals, trophy deer and fallow deer, with specific criteria and reporting needed.
Movement Reporting
Report and confirm all animal movements (purchases, sales, deaths, transfers) within 48 hours.
Balance between 'sending' and 'receiving' confirmations is critical. Failure to comply could result in fines.
Why It Matters
NAIT is essential for fast responses to biosecurity threats such as TB and Mycoplasma bovis, and for maintaining international market access.
OSPRI’s upcoming platform upgrade aims to reduce administrative burden and enhance usability while integrating with other livestock management systems.
Practical Tips for Lifestyle Block Owners
Register your farm location and details
Make sure your NAIT location and personal contact details are up to date, especially if you have recently moved or leased new land.Tag animals early
Order NAIT-approved RFID ear tags and apply them well before animals are due to be moved. Cattle and deer must be tagged within 180 days of birth or before their first movement, whichever comes first.Report movements quickly
Record animal movements on or off your block within 48 hours using the NAIT system. You can use the MyOSPRI portal or compatible apps from providers like LIC or AgriEID.Use the latest Animal Status Declaration (ASD) forms
As of June 2025, new forms are in use. Make sure you are using the correct version for all animal movements and keep copies for your records.Stay up to date
Keep an eye out for emails or updates from NAIT and OSPRI, especially around relocation dates like Moving Day (1 June). These updates often include reminders or changes to requirements.Prepare for changes
A new digital NAIT platform is on the way. It promises a better user experience, especially on mobile devices, so be ready to adopt it once it launches.
In Summary
NAIT continues to evolve, but its core remains the same: traceability, biosecurity, and export compliance. Key changes for 2025 include form updates, movement prompts, targeted TB testing, and a forthcoming better digital platform. Lifestyle farmers, in particular, should ensure tagging, registration, and movement reports are timely to avoid fines and support fast disease response.
