OSPRI begins procurement for new NAIT system

A vision for modern animal tracing 

We’re replacing New Zealand's online National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) system to create a more user-friendly platform that simplifies livestock management while ensuring accurate traceability. 

This essential upgrade will create a more intuitive system for farmers and everyone in the primary sector while strengthening New Zealand's biosecurity capabilities. 

"This marks an exciting new chapter for OSPRI and the NAIT system," says OSPRI Chief Executive Sam McIvor. "Having learned valuable lessons from previous projects, we now have the information needed to confidently begin a procurement process for the detailed design, build and maintenance of the future NAIT system." 

Benefits for New Zealand 

The new NAIT system will empower New Zealand's primary industries by modernising the digital infrastructure that underpins our animal tracing capabilities. The system will support:  

• Robust biosecurity protection 

• Safeguarded export opportunities and maintained trust in dairy, beef and deer industries 

• Enhanced food safety credentials 

• More effective animal health management.  

These improvements will deliver greater value for farmers and build confidence among consumers in New Zealand and overseas, protecting our high-value agricultural exports worth billions of dollars annually. 

Value for stakeholders 

The replacement system is being designed with all users in mind: 

For farmers, the new system will offer a simplified interface that reduces administrative burden, mobile-friendly tools that make meeting NAIT obligations more convenient, and streamlined processes that minimise disruption to farming operations. 

For industry providers including tag manufacturers, meat processors, sale yards and stock agents, the system will support improved integration capabilities and more efficient data exchange processes. 

For emergency response efforts, the system will provide near real-time data access enabling faster, more coordinated responses to biosecurity and animal health threats across the primary sector. 

Project timeline 

We’re taking a methodical, thorough approach to developing the new system, ensuring every aspect is done right: 

• Until May 2025: Finalising detailed requirements and system architecture 

• May - December 2025: Technology partner selection and implementation planning 

• From 2026: Phased build and deployment of the new system. 

Procurement process beginning 

On 16 May, OSPRI will publish a Request for Information (RFI) on TenderLink to explore technology options in the market. This initial step will help understand the available solutions before proceeding to a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) later this year. 

Interested technology providers can register on the TenderLink OSPRI portal for notifications. 

Continued stakeholder engagement 

Building on the user requirements gathered up until 2024, OSPRI has begun speaking again with stakeholders to collect more information, including confirming both end-user and software integration requirements. 

"We will continue to work with a wide range of stakeholders in detailed design, build, and testing phases, and to understand and prepare for the impacts of technology change," says OSPRI Head of Traceability, Clifton King. 

Stakeholders who feel their needs may not have been represented in the requirements gathering phase are encouraged to contact OSPRI at info@ospri.co.nz. 

Further information 

Visit our dedicated webpage for more information. 

For specific queries about the procurement process, contact NAITreplacement@ospri.co.nz 

For media queries, contact Leigh Catley, 0800 222 142, media@ospri.co.nz.