17 March
Here are the definitions of free-range layer hen farming in New Zealand. They are excerpted from the Animal Welfare (Layer Hens) Code of Welfare 2012. These Standards were drawn up by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), an independent, Government-appointed panel of animal welfare experts including academics and representatives of the NZ Veterinary Association and the SPCA.
These welfare Standards are required to be adhered to by every commercial layer hen farm in New Zealand and are displayed on every farm. Every farm also has a hard copy of the Animal Welfare (Layer Hens) Code of Welfare 2012.