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Is whale meat illegal in New Zealand?

Yes. Whale meat is banned in New Zealand. Owning, importing or selling a whale part without a permit is illegal.

Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 s.9: offence to take, possess, import or control any marine mammal (incl. parts) except under the Act or a permit; Wildlife Act bars buying or selling protected marine wildlife incl. marine mammals (NOAA comparability finding, Aug 2025).

Source: Marine Mammals Prot Act 1978

• New Zealand is one of 35 countries where whale meat is banned, and 7 more restrict it.
• In Oceania: banned in 2 of 6 countries.

Other countries that ban whale meat

AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCyprusCzechiaEstoniaFranceGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyLatviaLithuaniaAll 35 on the map ›

What else is banned in New Zealand