The ongoing saga with Ansett New Zealand and its happy outcome demonstrates a sample of the persistence and tenacity that is absolutely essential if abolitionists are ever to win the day.

Letter from Ansett New Zealand to NZAVS 18 July 1995

PO Box 4168
Auckland

18 July 1995
Bette Overell
The President
New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society Inc
PO Box 2065
Wellington

Dear Madam,

I can advise that Section 3 of the Ansett New Zealand Traffic Manual is being amended to clarify the Airline's stance on the carriage of primates for research.

Under the heading of Section 3.2 "Laboratory Animals for Research" (including primates) we have clearly stated that any animal in this category will not be carried by Ansett New Zealand. The only possible exception may be if a special Government or Government Authority request was made to the Manager, Airport Services who would consider the request.

Would you please pass on to your members our commitment to this issue and reiterate our willingness to work alongside other airlines who have adopted this stance.

Yours faithfully,

John Cordery Manager Public Relations

Reply from NZAVS to Ansett New Zealand 26 July 1995

PO Box 2065
Wellington

26 July 1995
Ansett New Zealand
PO Box 4168
Auckland
(Attention Mr J. Cordery: Manager Public Relations)

Dear Mr Cordery

The National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee, the ruling Body which administers and decides all aspects of animal experiments in New Zealand, is answerable only to the Minister of Agriculture. Overall, the Government is the institution using the greatest number of animals in experiments.

Obviously then it would serve no purpose to implement policy to "refuse the freight of primates for research unless a special government authority requests their transport", for it would carry as much weight as refusing to carry pork chops unless by special request from the butcher.

I am bewildered that you appear to believe the policy you outline demonstrates Ansett's "willingness to work alongside other airlines who have adopted this stance". Ansett's stance does not even remotely resemble that of other airlines and demonstrates only its reluctance to make a meaningful decision and commitment. (I have previously provided you with copies of the policies of other airlines.)

The proposed Section 3.2 "Laboratory animals (including primates)", because of its nebulous title, is unworkable and has potential for much confusion as it detracts from the issue at stake. Given that you have repeatedly declared the transport of primates for research has never arisen in New Zealand with your Company I suggest the following policy would be clean-cut to implement and easy to administer:

"Ansett New Zealand will not accept primates destined for experimental research purposes for transport on any of its flights or ground services."

I look forward to your favourable response - without lengthy time lapse.

Yours Sincerely
Bette Overell

Reply from Ansett New Zealand to NZAVS 10 August 1995

PO Box 4168
Auckland

10 August 1995
Bette Overell
The President
New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society Inc
PO Box 2065
Wellington

Dear Mrs Overell

I was sorry to read of your disappointment with the Airline's re-written policy covering the carriage of primates for research.

On your recommendation we are happy to separate the carriage of primates from other animals and change Section 3.2 of the Traffic Manual to read:

"3.2 The Carriage of Primates for Research
The Airline does not accept for carriage primates destined for experimental research on any of its flights."

Please note the Airline does not operate ground services.

I trust you find this response favourable.

Yours faithfully,

John Cordery Manager Public Relations

Reply from NZAVS to Ansett New Zealand 13 August 1995

PO Box 2065
Wellington

13 August 1995
Ansett New Zealand
PO Box 4168 Auckland
(Attention Mr J. Cordery: Manager Public Relations)

Dear Mr Cordery

I acknowledge your letter dated 10 August 1995 in which you inform me that Ansett New Zealand has implemented the following policy regarding the carriage of primates:

"The airline does not accept for carriage primates destined for experimental research on any of its flights."

In thanking you for the hand you have had in bringing about this satisfactory conclusion, I would ask if you would pass our congratulations to your Board of Management. I will pass the information to the organisations concerned, which include Mr Schifferegger of Guardians who is in correspondence with Ansett Australia.

I am pleased that Ansett New Zealand has finally cooperated with the other 80 airlines which refuse to carry primates and on that basis will unhesitatingly encourage members of this Society and the public at large to use your services.

Yours Sincerely
Bette Overell