Transparency, public access, and Māori partnership surge across animal research in Aotearoa—ANZCCART report

The report highlights three main points:

1) Sector-wide transparency continues to rise: A strong majority of organisations now proactively publish public-facing information about animal use—83% of Research & Teaching signatories and 80% of Supporters—with growing use of lay summaries, images of facilities, and stories about animal care staff. Communication about the Three Rs also broadened: 61% of Research & Teaching and 90% of Supporters shared examples of replacement, reduction, or refinement during the year. 

2) Record levels of public engagement and access to facilities: 83% of Research & Teaching signatories engaged with schools, community groups, and public events—the highest level since the Agreement began. 61% provided in‑person or virtual access to animal facilities (up from 55% last year and 29% in 2022), supported by innovations such as viewing rooms and video tours to minimise disturbance and manage biosecurity. 

3) Tangata whenua engagement and tikanga Māori integration accelerate: 74% of Research & Teaching signatories discussed animal research and teaching with tangata whenua (e.g., hui, project engagement, facility access), and 65% incorporated tikanga Māori approaches—an especially sharp rise from last year. Examples include blessing ceremonies, co‑developed research methods, and Vision Mātauranga roles to guide practice. 

ANZCCART comment

The Chair of ANZCCART New Zealand, Professor Pat Cragg highlighted: “New Zealand’s research and teaching community is leaning into openness—not just with more information, but with meaningful engagement: school visits, facility access, and genuine partnerships with tangata whenua. That combination builds trust, improves practice, and helps everyone understand both the benefits and the ethical dimensions of animal use.” 

By the numbers (2024–25 reporting year)

33 signatories reported this year (23 Research & Teaching (R&T); 10 Supporters). 
83% R&T / 80% Supporters provided additional public information beyond a website statement. 
61% R&T / 90% Supporters publicly communicated Three Rs activities (eg, refinement, replacement). 
83% R&T engaged publicly (schools, community events, festivals). 
61% R&T offered facility access (in‑person or virtual), continuing steady gains year-on‑year. 
74% R&T engaged with tangata whenua; 65% R&T incorporated tikanga Māori into work relating to animal use. 

Call to action

ANZCCART invites organisations involved in, funding, or supporting animal research and teaching to join the Openness Agreement—strengthening public accountability, lifting welfare standards, and contributing to informed, respectful debate. (Contact: anzccart@royalsociety.org.nz.)