Messages to Mike from caring kiwis

Show your support. Email us your message to Mike King and we will ensure he receives them all. Here are just some recent ones.

A message from Mike: Mike wishes to extend his heartfelt thanks to everyone who has left messages below. Mike says he is truly touched and inspired by the encouraging and supportive words from fellow kiwi's. Nice one, guys!

Kia Ora Mike...and Congratulations! It's extremely hard for any of us to admit they were wrong-or ignorant- You're a courageous man for admitting your wrongs and your shame, I really admire your honesty and integrity. Thank you for standing up for the Pigs, you've changed the attitudes of many Kiwis by helping to expose how badly Pigs, and other farmed animals are treated in our so called 'clean green' country. I've never eaten pork but hopefully those who do will follow your example and choose only free range pork! Tino pai Mike! Keep up the good work :)

Alice

Mike. Your integrity has shone throughout. You are to be commended mate, well done! Your a great example to us all. Your family must be very proud.

Scott Taylor  

You are a true star. I can hardly describe my elation with your recent stand. Good on ya!

Karen

Nice one, dude. Thanks for standing up against animal cruelty. It's disgusting that this horrendous treatment of pigs is legal in New Zealand. And what a coup for the dedicated animal lovers at SAFE to have you on board for this issue.

Michael

Mike, congratulations for standing up against the dirt bags that put their own monetary greed before animal welfare! I commend and praise you for speaking out on TV and I hope you will continue to do so. Thank you Mike, we need more celebrities with values and a voice like you!

Robert

It was very powerful to see the shock, shame and sorrow on your face and to hear it in your voice and to see it in your actions when you learned the reality of the cruel industry you had once promoted. Aotearoa is talking about you and your guts and your influence to get this pig farming stopped. Please stay in the bright lights of this campaign, my friend. The pigs will need you a lot longer yet because every excuse will be made to slow down humane legislation and action. Now that your eyes have been opened, please open your heart to ALL pigs. Please swear off pork for the rest of your life. You have the strength to control your taste buds - you have already proven your moral fiber and mana. With love and admiration.

Linda

Thank you Mike for being so brave and standing up to speak out, and thanks and congratulations to Hans and the dedicated people of SAFE, a brilliant move! I have not allowed pork in my house for a few years now, my husband put up with it but did not understand why until he watched the program on TV, now he goes without pork for his own reasons!

Jacqui

Good on you Mike - well done.

Buck

Thank you Hans, at SAFE and also please pass my admiration and affection for the brave work and exposure of sow pig farming conditions, given by Mike King. Both of you have most of NZ in awe of the atrocities; your work and dedication to sow pigs wellbeing is much appreciated, admired and welcome. My thanks to you both

Pat

I have been aware of caged/penned pigs but thought it was happening mainly overseas - but horrors of horrors it is happening in our own back yard. Your programme did have a profound effect and I want to help in any way I can to stop this barbaric and cruel and inhumane treatment of pigs. Please don't give up.

Rhonda

I urge you to keep up the exposure on this issue - the longer you can keep it in the public eye the better and I'll continue to do my bit to boycott pork that's not raised humanely and challenge my friends to do the same.

Gretel

Hi to Hans and Mike, good on you both for bringing this to light. This huge exposure to these conditions for the poor pigs, is no different from the poor battery hens, this is intensive farming.

Peter 

Hi fantastic work guys!! Absolutely brilliant educating Mike King about sow crates. Thanks.

Charlotte :) 

I may be only 13, but I feel strongly about animal cruelty, well done for getting the word out about pig farming! Maybe you could make the word even stronger, by doing more programs about animal cruelty, such as chicken battery farming, and veal farming. Keep up the good work!

Louisa

Dear Mike, I am absolutely thrilled that you spoke out about sow crates. I believe there is some hope now that we will get this hidden evil abolished. If I ever meet you I will give you a great big hug so watch out! And thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Leith

Good on yer Mike, you're a true hero!!

John B

Hi Mike, my son and I would like to say a huge thank you and congratulations on helping to expose the conditions in which these poor pigs are being farmed. Its sick, and I can totally understand the guilt you feel over promoting the pork industry, but the bigger picture is this, there is a reason for everything and if you hadn't had that job this story wouldn't have the impact it's had since Sunday first aired. You should hold your head high, be proud of yourself for the huge part you have played in this, and helping SAFE in their tireless effort to save these beautiful creatures from further harm and distress. People are seriously taking notice now. Keep it up man, we are backing you 100% all the way.

Christy and Leith 

I am so pleased to see the media has taken up the pig farming issue - at long last. Congratulations to you and your team for all the hard work you have done in working towards improving the life of pigs in this country.

Sally

Well done for what you have done so far - please keep up the good work exposing those who are cruel to animals.

Heather

Well done on your exposing of the pig industry. Like many other consumers, I would have no hesitation in paying more for pig products if I knew that it had been grown 'crate-free' and humanely, as is the case with free range eggs... I look forward to further embarrassment of the pig industry in its current state, and them being forced to change by consumer demand. Keep up the good work.

Mark

I'm so pleased that this issue is out in the open... It's not going to go away now, glad people are aware of what's going on.

Jeanette

Do not let the pork board away with the line "that this is not the norm for piggeries"... The ammonia level in the Hawera piggeries is enough to kill an elephant. Conditions in your footage pale in comparison. Well done Mike King you are a giant among men.

Naki grandma

If we kept our horses or dogs like this there would be a huge out cry and the practice would soon be banned. This is a disgusting practice and must be stopped. As someone once said " A country is often judged on how it treats its animals ". Keep up the pressure.

Graeme

What fantastic progress!! Well done Hans at last we are getting the welfare for the poor pigs, we [are] finely getting the message out to the public...

Louise

All I can say is this Hans - pork is off the menu! A big thanks to people like you. Often too many of us sit on our laurels - you have prompted me to 'get off mine'. Don't stop the good work.

Julie

Hi Mike, A huge hug from my family and I, we absolutely applaud you for exposing the hideous life of many farmed pigs. NZ legislation pertaining to the welfare of animals is woefully inadequate, if an animal cannot be given good food, clean water, warm shelter as well as freedom to walk in the fresh air, then it should not be farmed at all. And if farmers cannot respect their animals then they should not be farming at all.

Glen

I really admire your courage and values in speaking out for defenseless creatures who need our help to be free from the suffering of cruel treatment. Good on you mate and all power to you and the leading team of people working towards raising the welfare code for pigs to a humane standard. Your kids will always have reason to be proud of their dad. Very Best Wishes.

Liz

Watched your videos all the way over here in the UK.
Its good to see people with guts to take these guys on. It took a lot to come out and say you were wrong.
Your integrity put them all to shame. And you and SAFE are damn right - those conditions are simply evil. The arguments presented by you and Hans used evidence and reason, and all they could reply with was mealy mouth crap or the justification that because it involved money, then therefore it was OK. These same immoral excuses were used against William Wilberforce when he sought to outlaw slavery...
First the laughed at him ,
then they mocked him,
then they said that ‘it would be too expensive and bad for the economy',
then the said ‘because everyone else does slavery and treat their slaves worse - but it's OK if we do it because we treat them better'Way to go dudes .

Gerard

Simone

Mike, you are sorry that you were involved in promoting the pork industry. Yep, we understand that. But goodness you were because now that you are speaking up New Zealand is taking notice. You would have had a hell of a lot less clout if you hadn't done those ads. Likewise an expose without someone like you spearheading it would not have been so effective. So good on you; good on you a thousand times over. We both cried with relief as well as immense sorrow, watching that programme on Sunday, and we are so thankful that you have been humble enough to be willing to face the truth and speak out about it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Gillian and Ron

Good work - I'm sooo pleased you've stood up. You can be proud. Everybody - keep up the pressure on the law makers to make keeping animals in such disgusting and cruel conditions a crime.

Jacqui

Thank you so much for your exposure about the inhumane way pigs are farmed in this country we arrogantly call 'Godzone'. As a vegetarian I have never supported eating pork out of a love for animals. I just hope your exposure closes down every inhumane pig farm in this country. Well done Mike--I feel so proud of you for supporting innocent animals that have no means of defending themselves against the atrocities of man!

Sandra

Nothing has brought me more joy than helping innocent animals. I feel exactly where you are and the respect is huge. Massive respect. Don't look back, don't listen to the baggers, many just don't want to know about the pain the pigs suffer - they just want the cheapest bacon they can get. For many New Zealanders - myself included you are my hero. Whilst before I felt that nothing I did could change anything for the lives of these innocent creatures now you have started the ball rolling. Please keep it up.

Dan

To Mike and SAFE, I think exposing these farmers was the best thing you could've done as now the public will be aware of the poor conditions the pigs have to live in. It makes me ashamed to be a New Zealander, and like Mike said not many people in NZ would be aware of this because we see ourselves with a ‘clean green' image.

Sharlene

Kia kaha Mike! Kia manawanui, tino pai te mahi. One day I hope you will also stop eating pork. Ultimately it is the solution to many animal rights issues- not to mention the global and planet consequences of farming. And kia kaha Hans for your leadership. You come across very well on TV. Keep up the good work.

Cristi and family

Thank you so much for exposing the abhorrent intensive pig farming practices to the general public. You are a special person in this world. Keep fighting hard. I prey this exposure results in change. I just had to pass on a big thank you.

Craig

Thank you, your team and Mike King so much for exposing the pig farming industry as you have. As a family we are pork consumers, but now thanks to all of you we will be selecting our pork very carefully from now on as we do when buying eggs... It's a valuable cause you put your time and effort into, keep up the good work.

Michelle

I recently moved to New Zealand 18 months ago and I had simply no idea about the environment that many pigs are being kept in this country. As you have quite rightly and brilliantly brought this to the attention of the population over these last few days I just wanted to pass on my sincere admiration for this cause - please stay strong and keep going. ...I vow never to eat this type of pork ever again- I just had no idea. So I just wanted to say well done, without people like you caring and fighting for what is quite simply right, the world would be even worse. Thank you.

Debbie

Dear Hans and Mike, I think what the two of you did, to have the guts to stand up and challenge this kind of cruelty, is legendary! Well done and praise to you both!
... From this day neither my husband nor I will consume any pork product, or any other product that is not free ranged or organic ...well done and keep the challenge alive.

Heather

Keep up the good work and hopefully you can effect a change.

May

Thanks Hans, MIke King and TV1 reporters for exposing this. Go Strong.

Tracey

Well done SAFE.

Charmaine

This is the best news story on the tv in ages.

Jo

Congratulations to you all, keep up the good work. Ignore the ignorant, greedy and those who care of nothing but themselves.

Dan

Shame on these 'pork' people for allowing these practices to continue, shame on the MAF whose code of compliances need to be scrapped. There should be no crates, no cages, no 'nothing' that'll restricts freedom of any animals! We fought against oppression and we fought for freedom for ourselves, we should have done the same for our animals!

Thank you for your courageous stand against the cruel treatment of pigs, admitting you were wrong and saying you no longer wanted to be the front man for the pork industry...Hans, keep up the good work. Normally I cannot bear to watch any kind of animal cruelty but forced myself to watch and listen to what you have helped expose, in such a way that the whole country is talking about it all. I am full of admiration and thank you too.

Coral

Thank you for showing us that shocking treatment of pigs on farms here in NZ...I was a sheep and cattle farmer in Southland for 27 years and our animals were all looked after the proper way. I am disgusted to see such cruelty to animals, how would that farmer like to be stuck in a pen so small he couldn't move around. Every farmed animal should be allowed to live a free-range life. Keep up the good work.

Mrs Heenan

Keep up the good work. The issue needs the publicity so that everyone knows the cruel history of the food they are eating. Thanks for your commitment on behalf of the animals.

Kay

My wife and I have just viewed the story on Mike King and battery farmed pigs in New Zealand on the Sunday Programme TV1 17/5/09. I am not a Green party supporter however I totally agree with animal rights and the fact that battery farmed pigs are subjected to totally inhumane cruelty in their 'living' conditions disgusts me at how some Kiwis can lay straight in their beds at night believing they have done an honest day's work.

Leighton

Congratulations on the exposure on the Sunday Program with Mike King concerning the pork industry in New Zealand...

Carla

Thank you for your efforts to stop the cruelty and make life bearable for these highly intelligent animals.

Shelley & Peter

If that programme last night doesn't change things, I am going to be so angry. Congratulations and Thank you for all your hard work towards that. That was extremely well done and hit the mark. Mike was terrific, wasn't he.

Sue.

Fantastic job for getting this horrible situation out in the open at last. I hope that "The King of Pork" may turn out to become "the King of farm raised pig breeding". The programme certainly managed to ruin my taste for pork forever, and although I can not afford a donation right now, I will certainly help to ruin the piggery industry by never eating pork again. All the best for your fight! Don't ever give up on this worthy cause.

Tanya

Great work guys and Hans Kriek.

Henry

Hi Hans
Well done! It's about time people knew about how pigs were treated.

Jenny

Congratulations! SAFE has achieved a major coup with these two interviews... Parents might at last realise that it can hardly be kind to their kids to serve them food that has involved such cruelty to others. The fact that the "others" are pigs is irrelevant - they suffer enormously.

Paul

Well done SAFE on exposing pig cruelty on National TV & getting a celebrity like Mike to front it.
I know that SAFE has been on the case of battery hens for years, but many people will choose not to believe it
unless a celebrity such as Mike promotes it...

Daphne

...keep up all of the good work you are doing. I think it is very good that this has been more widely exposed recently through Mike King's expose on "Sunday" and other media forums. All the best of luck in hopefully eradicating this terrible practice of farming in New Zealand, and I will continue to support the actions of SAFE.

Michele

I am one of the silent masses unaware that pigs were kept in cages in NZ. I have been woken... Well done on the "Sunday" feature and the courageous front man Mike King.

Michael

Mr Mike King you are a true inspiration and I am so proud of you for what you did! It took so much for you to stand up and do what you did... Kia kaha. Arohanui,

Michelle & Marg

I would just like to say I saw the pig documentary and was more than disturbed by what I saw - I was traumatized! So many people I know want this to change - it seems NZ has been deeply affected by the documentary. So what I can say to you was how much I respect what you do and what you are doing! ...I honestly think from the many people I have talked to - in the local diary, at work etc that you have more than enough support to take public action on this. Why not make this the time to really change this!...

Bree

Go for it Mike. I am so overwhelmed with relief that finally someone with a high profile has taken on the plight of these poor creatures. I know that SAFE and Hans have been doing a great job over the years for the pigs and chickens trying to educate the NZ public and improve farming conditions for them but this revelation on TV1 instigated by Mike is such a huge leap forward. We take our hats off to you Mike, this is an awesome thing you are doing. Thank you so much.

Jill

You have my complete support. I have gone from eating only free range pork to now not eating it at all on my journey of discovery of our appalling cruelty to these beautiful and intelligent creatures...What is humanity if we can commit such atrocities? Imagine if these pigs were Golden Retrievers or horses or people? Please, please do not let this drop...

Amanda

I have been a supporter of free-range meat and eggs for some years. I do not eat animal products, but I think the battle to encourage all humans to do the same is sadly, a losing one. However, what I will forever support and argue the point of is the life we provide animals prior to their slaughter. As people, we must show some integrity and humanity for the life these animals live. So yes, well done Mike King - a shame you did not investigate first, but I guess better late than never! You've redeemed yourself tremendously, and the best part is, it's a lesson that other people can do the same!

Kathryn

Please, please do not stop the pressure on our government to change inhumane laws that sanctify factory farming. No living creature should be locked in 'concentration camps' - because that is exactly what factory farming is. Our current Minister of Agriculture and the Pork Production Board appear to be dodging the real issue by attempting to focus entirely on what they see as one 'rogue farm' - I know that you won't let that happen. Thank you for your commitment and courage.

Jennifer

Someone asked me earlier today why more people who have worked on pig farms haven't spoken up about the cruelty. Well, it's interesting (though not surprising): no one wanted to know when I told them about how truly tragic pig farms were. From my experience, at 17, with no celebrity status and not a huge amount of confidence, not many people wanted to listen. They were more interested in tucking into their roast pork sandwich or eating their bacon and eggs. I guess people have to see things to believe them so I am absolutely overjoyed that at last, someone like you has stood up for these delightful animals and shown the nation what really goes on behind those big walls...Well done Mike, you did a brave thing standing up against the industry you once represented. You have my heart-felt support as do the organisation SAFE you are now campaigning for. Let's hope our voices are heard above the din of excuses, and legislation is changed for the welfare of our trotter-footed friends. Bravo!

Nikki

To Mike and SAFE - you are heroes!! If I wasn't already a vegetarian I sure as hell would become one now. Appalling cruelty in a civilized country. Good on you mate - keep it up. You are a person people will listen to judging by talk back radio today.

Adele

Way to go SAFE, you rock! I was absolutely thrilled and humbled to see Mike King put his hand up, prepared to show these bastards up for what they are!! With you guys all the way on this! The doco was excellent, albeit a sad and disgusting look into the NZ industry, but necessary part of getting the message across! Well done!!

Lisa

I am so pleased to see something is happening re pig farming practices and I think you need to give yourselves a big pat on the back!!! I know there is still a long road to travel, but at least we are moving now! If you could also pass this onto Mike King as I think he's been fantastic at highlighting this problem. I too, had no idea about intensive pig farming in NZ until recently. Good on him for doing the right thing!

Amanda

I haven't been able to sleep after seeing the way pigs are treated here in NZ, it made me cry and I'm a 47 yr old man. Thank you so much Mike for highlighting this. I want something done now as every day these pigs are suffering. It has to stop immediately, I don't care what the price of pork is, it is irrelevant. I wont buy any from now on, neither will my children or relatives eat it.

David

Congratulations on getting this amount of attention. It is a pity that there has to be such suffering to actually get any media notice. I for one will never eat a pig again!

Marcus

Mike you are a bloody legend ...you're doing the best thing for those animals...As for the minister and the government - they are as disgusting and heartless as the owners of these places! Of course they know what they are like, but what ever pays their salary keeps them happy! Kia kaha Mike - you're the spokesman for the pigs not the pork now. Don't give up!

Nastassja

Good on you for standing up for these mistreated animals, they need all the help they can get, petitions and signatures don't always get thru! The problem with a lot of people is they get over it too quick (short memory), but hopefully the publicity you got might be enough to wake a few up.. Keep up the good work, and don't be too hard on yourself concerning the past, at least you have taken the initiative to correct it and do something about it, that's rare with in itself. Good on you we need more heroes in the animal world

Carla

Just watched Close Up! Well done! The entire family was very impressed and happy to go public. Our congratulations also to Mike King of course. What a decent man! We will also win the battle to get Jumbo free! Keep up the your good work!!!

The Elsen Family

And about time, are we a third world country to treat our animals so disgustingly? I would say chicken farming goes hand in hand with these inhumane pig practices- It all comes down to greed! What is so very very sad and so inhumane is the fact that pigs are highly intelligent creatures, perhaps more intelligent than the morons crate farming them.

Helena

I'd just like to say a huge huge huge well done to Mike King and SAFE! I think what he's doing is awesome and very admirable! And I'm so proud of him! I'm so happy the poor pigs living this way are being exposed, and may hopefully be on their way to getting more of a chance to have a happy normal life that every living thing deserves. Keep it up SAFE and Mike! ...Thank you all so much for all your efforts, and it eases the frustration for all of us who are in a lesser position to do something for our animals! Thank you! And the very best of luck!

Issie

I now have such respect for Mike King for his courage to publicly admit that he had been supporting (and profiting from) the unsupportable. His coming forward to denounce this is a major step forward in helping to change the mindsets of ordinary kiwi blokes who enjoy their pig products. If a well-respected "man's man" like Mike can stand up to say enough is enough, it paves the way for others to follow.

Sonia and Paul

On behalf of my family, we would like to say a huge well done to Mike King for exposing the reality of our pork industry. It takes a big man with courage to stand up and be counted. We watched him on Close Up and we were cheering him on. His look of determination was amazing and we just know he is the man to really get to the bottom of it. Fantastic work too SAFE and together we are sure there will be some all-important changes real soon. Mike King can see right through ‘the opposition' and luckily for all New Zealanders, he is made of such strong stuff that he can heap on the pressure. Go Mike! Go SAFE!

The Drain Family

Thank you for bringing to our attention what is happening in our country. I was unaware, like you. Keep up the fight, this is so so wrong on so many levels. My family and I will no longer be buying pork.

Bruce & Helen

Clean Green NZ huh? I'm ashamed of this country, animals farmed by accountants, not stockmen. Good on you Mike, please keep up the momentum, celebrities with courage and integrity are our only chance to improve animal welfare in this country.

Kat

Well done Has Kriek. All your years of efforts for these animals are paying off. My letter is going off to David Carter and the Pork industry tomorrow. The public are behind you.

Carolyn

I'm a housewife, I do the shopping every week. I'm voting with my feet Mike... it's free range from here on in. You go brother! All power to you! You have 100% support from my household (and that includes a husband that enjoys a good pork roast too!). If he can support it, anyone can. Will be watching with baited breath the outcome of your efforts.

Jude

Thanks Mike, It is a pity that this issue has been ignored up till now. It seems to need to have someone like you speak out for the average kiwi to listen.

Claire

I feel Mike King is a hero as that took a lot guts to stand up in the way he did and hopefully this will create change.

Diane

Thank you so much Mike for having the integrity and humility to make a stand for these beautiful creatures. Your actions speak volumes to all New Zealanders and I appalled you from the bottom of my heart. Bless you.

Donna

You are our hero. We admire you doing the right thing by these defenseless animals. Thank you for your courage and please stay with this to the end- till all pigs live in clean and fair conditions. Till then pork-free meals! Thank you.

Clare

I am deeply moved by Mike King's stance on the issue of cruelty to pigs. Mike is doing what we all need to be doing and that is to be informed about what is going on around and about us and to stand up and confront injustices and barbarisms of all kinds... Thank you Mike for standing up for what is so obviously wrong. I admire your courage... Thank you to SAFE and to the Sunday programme also for bringing this piece of injustice and sheer horror to our attention. I only hope that Kiwis have enough about themselves as a people to demand an end to barbaric practices as the one we saw.

Anon

Why is that we give paddocks for cows, sheep, horses to run around in but pigs are given crates! It defies belief and pigs are apparently highly intelligent. On the programme, their eyes looked sad and they looked depressed as Mike King stated. We have to ask ourselves if it's good to be eating meat that has been put under such stress - surely it can't be good for us. What sort of chemicals are given off by a pig in such stress and in such conditions. It has certainly put me off eating pork...'

Sandra

Well done to all involved in highlighting this issue. Just because something is within the law does not make it acceptable, our welfare codes are disgusting and clearly need a major overhaul. First and foremost I believe the consumer has the right to know the origin of their purchase from the packaging - you can't make informed decisions if the industry makes sure you don't have the information needed. I personally have been vegetarian for many years for moral reasons only, and I strongly believe that all children should be taught at school the reality of where their food comes from. I am horrified daily by the number of adults I encounter who still have no idea how animals are treated, and often you can tell they don't believe the reality because it really is too horrible to comprehend.

Mary

When I used to watch you on tv for the pork product commercials I would feel so angry that you were supporting such a sad, sad product with such a huge grin. It never crossed my mind that you weren't aware of what you were supporting. I am so pleased you have been made aware, and are now using your name to help them instead. Congratulations SAFE, another fantastic piece of work by you.

Melissa

Keep up the excellent work exposing the cruelty in the New Zealand Pork Industry. Hopefully many small voices can achieve a better, more humane future for farmed pigs in New Zealand.

Jennifer

Thank goodness you plucked up the courage to break into the Pig torture chamber- human greed gone mad!!!. Since then I have emailed Hellers, the Pork Board and Progressive Enterprises Ltd stating I'll not buy their pork till their attitudes are adjusted in the pigs favour. This daughter of a pig farmer [deceased] knows from experience that the treatment you discovered and highlighted is inexcusable. Shame on them eh!.

Janet

Good on you for getting a camera inside a piggery and showing the public the conditions pigs are kept in. I know you've been doing it for years, but unfortunately it takes someone like Mike King to actually get people to listen - good move! People tend to switch off as soon as you are labeled an animal rights activist which is ridiculous, but how it is... I agree with you - it proves nothing getting inspectors into these places - the problem is with the law - how can it be legal to keep pigs in those conditions? The law is archaic and should be set up by animal welfare groups with no interest in the meat industry. The problem is people forget very quickly so I hope you can keep their attention on this one by getting more public figures on your side.

Glenys

Hi my name is Paige, I am 12 years old and was disgusted with the cruel treatment of pigs by pig farmers in New Zealand. I would like to see crates made illegal in New Zealand. There is no need for any animal to be cruelly exploited. I happen to know that pigs are one of the top 10 most intelligent animals in this world. However no animal should be cruelly treated. I think that it is really unfair because the pig farmers would not like to be stuck in a cage day in and day out, so why do it to the Pigs. From now on, I and my family will no longer eat pork until the pigs are freed from cages. We don't eat battery hen eggs and I will make a stand for the pigs as well.

Paige

We are now boycotting all Pork and Pork products until the NZ Pork Industry wakes up to the fact that consumers are not prepared to buy their product due to their unethical treatment of animals. Furthermore we will be influencing other people we know to also boycott your product.

John & Sonia

Well done on your team effort to further expose the cruelties involved in NZ pig farming. I used to watch you promote pork Mike and wonder if you ever knew of the horrors of how it was produced. So glad you have turned around to help expose this utter cruelty! It takes courage and every pig in those sow stalls will be thanking you. The Sunday story was a significant expose on the pig industry and for once a decent piece of journalism on this show. I'm sure it has turned many people off pig products!

Lucy

Hey just wanted to say top work getting the pig industry onto mainstream telly. Keep up the momentum and change this sick world!!!

Andy

I have new respect for Mike King...

Deb

I am so glad you have woke up. I have always enjoyed you on the tele but was disgusted when I saw you promoting pork. Thank goodness you have seen what happens and can now make a difference. Keep up the good work help stop this dreadful suffering and well done safe again.

Kath

I found Mike Kings report so upsetting to see that this terrible cruelty can be allowed in NZ. & to see those amazing intelligent creatures be farmed in such a horrendous way. Mike acted bravely and hopefully his words and actions will give people a big wake up call as to what is going on. Surely it can't be allowed to continue.

Julie

Mike, thank you for your stand against pig cruelty. It can be very difficult to put morals ahead of supporting your family. I admire you for doing so...Keep up the good work.

John

Please pass on my sincere thanks to Mike King for standing up against sow crates. Economics is not a defense as the farming and Pork Industry would have us believe and it would be nice to think that this is a catalyst for a real shake up of the agricultural industry...

Jill

Would just like to congratulate and thank Safe and Mike King on bringing the pig farming issue to the public like this. I'm so happy and it's looking to get better as more people are made aware. I am a longtime supporter of free-range and find it hard to convince others, however I think this time it has got through and I have people contacting me serious about changing their eating and lifestyle to include free-range products and boycott the rest. Yes! Keep up the good work guys!

Carly

Congratulations to you all on finally getting the NZ public to acknowledge this barbaric practice. Let's hope that this gets people talking with their wallets and shunning all those who still keep to this inhumane practice. Keep up the good work!

Sarah

Thank You Mike and SAFE, I had no idea pig farming was like that. We eat a lot of pork, but I will no longer be getting it from the supermarket. Instead I will pay to have it sent from Havoc in the South Island all the way up to Whangarei. It's just like Free Range Eggs, if you don't pay the extra for the product and support these people then the changes we so desperately want, will never happen. So pay the extra please to help bring in the changes.

Maxine

Thank you so much Mike for sticking up for these poor defenseless creatures. It takes a big person to admit that you were wrong in fronting the ‘Pork Ads' when been shown around one of these so called ‘Average" mass production Piggeries and to come out and feel totally dismayed and ashamed at what you had been supporting. I feel totally sick to the stomach and so hopeless that I cant make a difference straight away but I know that your programme with Sunday has really had an effect on NZers and listening to talkback today - people are just not prepared to eat pork now unless it is free range or SPCA accredited. Thank you again Mike, you're a wonderful person and I have a lot of respect for you for going this far for the sake of the pigs. Keep up the good work!

Paula

Just saw you take on the pork industry on Close Up- Kia Kaha... It takes a lot of courage publicly to say yep, I made a mistake, and personally I really respect that you are doing the right thing. So once again congratulations. I thought that was the most straight up interview I've seen recently, mostly due to your handling of it, and there are a lot of people out there that see it takes a truckload of mana to do it. Lets hope it helps take NZ into the 21st century.

Jenn

Congratulations to Mike King for his very public condemnation on cruel aspects of pig farming... If anyone has seen a pig running around in a paddock and squealing with glee when you go to feed it, arching its back when you give it a scratch and positively smiling when you just give it some company, those pictures that Mike took must break your heart...Go well Mike and I will support you in any way I can.

Bev

Thank you so much Mike for speaking up for the animals such as you have. Mike has done a great thing helping these pigs, really truly thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Simone

Please pass on my respect to Mike King for giving a public face to the mistreatment of pigs. It takes guts to stand up on any issue, and I commend his bravery in speaking out. We are a family of carnivores, but pig, unless free range, is off the menu. The footage you have made public is gut churning and this sort of farming practice should be outlawed.

Leanne

Because you were so intelligent and articulate and passionate in your horror at these practices you will have done more to help pigs and maybe gone some way to ending this horrible farming method. ...I just need to register my thanks and say how impressed I was by your honest horror and eloquent words. You were the very best person to do this report.

Gael

Well done! Please do not stop! I do my bit everyday but more people need to know what is happening. I hope the government bans this cruel practice sooner rather than later...We are supposed to be a developed country, let's show we are!

Leah

Good on you Mike for doing a public u-turn, I am one of the people who bought more pork after seeing you on TV. There is no doubt that such a move would have taken courage and will have an impact on your income, which shows a high level of integrity on your part. I never knew such practices existed in NZ, but will now only buy free range pork, in the same way that I only buy free range chickens and eggs.

Sam

Thank you Mike, SAFE, and TV1 for exposing this shocking situation. No more pork for me!

"Baptist"

Mike King rocks!!!

Holly

As a direct result of the SAFE/Mike King television program my family and I will not be purchasing any pork products in the near future. I commend Mr King and SAFE for exposing the barbaric treatment of pigs in New Zealand. For too long we have kept our heads in the sand whilst this blatant cruelty prevails, not any more.

Steve

Just a huge thank you to Mike King, Sunday and SAFE for exposing such horrendous cruelty to pigs in NZ. I have heard lots of feedback from the show, most being disgust and outrage at our pig farming policies. Hopefully we may finally see some change.

Amanda

Just want to applaud you Mike for getting on this case. As a long time SAFE supporter I think its great when people such as yourself come on board to get some traction against the powerful people who hold the misery of countless animals in their hands. Their argument about needing to stop pigs from fighting is spurious - why would the pigs always fight if they had enough room? Do the pigs on the free-range farms fight??? It didn't appear so. Anyway good on you Mike, and thanks, thanks, thanks!

Christine

Just would like to say that the barbaric way a lot of farmers have been getting away with the disgraceful treatment of the pigs is heart rendering. This practice has been going on for far too long and I admire Mike King for his concern and hope something comes from this cruel practice...Good work Mike and SAFE.

June

I watched the programme Sunday night on One. Mike I take my hat off to you. I will support you 100% on this stand you have made. It takes guts to stand up after supporting an issue to retract that support when you find that it is not what you understood it to be. You came across very well and I believe with people like you (High profile People) as the face of the campaign we can make a change for the better. You could clearly see the depression in the faces of those animals... Crate breeding must be Outlawed. Mike, I congratulate you.

Garry

We are impressed with what you have done for the plight of pigs in this country. It is time someone stood up and made the public aware of the truth. Well done Sir we are behind you all the way.

Audrey, Alan, Claudette, Vivienne, Rueben, Theresa

I have to admit I thought you were a right w*nker for promoting pork on our screens, however since you have changed your stance on this I am willing to forgive you. I do hope though that you will become even more enlightened one day and refrain from eating even cage-free pork - but one step at a time. Thanks to you and SAFE for promoting this awareness to blissfully ignorant New Zealanders.

Trina

Firstly I would like to congratulate you on highlighting "cruelty to pigs". I watched the show with my family, (2 children aged 6 and 7) we were absolutely blown away by your video. I could not stop crying!
...We will never eat pork in our house again...Thank you to everyone for this story, I am deeply saddened, but confident that with everyone's help we can get the laws changed!

Wendy

I was very impressed with the way your report came across last night...pass on my comments to him [Mike King] and ...thank him so much for standing up to be counted.

Bob

After watching TV 1 last night with "Sunday" coverage along with Mike King, I was appalled at what I saw... I would like to add my voice to your cause, the cause of the animals! I will also be avoiding pig & chicken meat that is sourced from caged animals. ...Wishing you all the success in the world, that maybe we will be able to make a change to this world we live in.

Sherri 

We were very impressed with your input in the Sunday interview with Mike King. Thank you for highlighting the plight of these intelligent creatures.

Elisa

Thanks for everything you have done and are still doing. You are a part of what I believe is the greatest cause the world has ever faced. While it is unfortunate that such a cause is required, it is great to see a group of compassionate human beings like yourselves making a real difference for our animal friends.

James

...How can we have sheep and cows farmed successfully in open paddocks then say we cannot afford the same decency to other animals? We will now be sure to ask specifically for free range pork products until welfare laws are changed enough to make a difference. Thank you to the "real" animal welfare organisations (such as SPCA and SAFE) out there that are trying to make a difference.

Rianne

I watched the Sunday programme last night and felt incredibly sad and sick to the stomach seeing the disgusting and incomprehensible conditions that (probably most) farmed pigs in New Zealand endure. The fact that, as a pork industry advocate, you spoke out against farms of this type was courageous and inspiring. Today I joined the SAFE campaign against pig farming and I have no doubt that many others will have done the same. Thank you so much for raising the profile of such an important issue.

Brigette

Thank you Mike for delivering a very brave, powerful and moving story about Factory Farmed Pigs in New Zealand. Let this be a positive step toward healing & stopping all suffering that people are inflicting on our animal friends. You, along with SAFE are our voice for these beautiful animals.

Ruth

Congratulations on getting the plight of caged pigs onto national TV.

Steve 

I am really happy that Mike is making people aware of this inhumane way of treating pigs. Since seeing last night's episode I will only buy free range pork. A big thank you to mike and the team for opening my eyes

Pralene

I want to say well done to the wonderful people from SAFE and Open Rescue for getting all the publicity for the plight of the pigs. Fantastic job!

Susan

Just an email to congratulate you and Mike King on the exposure of pig farming last night on TV one. It appears to have rattled a lot of bones in NZ and finally the truth about pig farming has come to light. Hopefully this means that people will start boycotting buying pork products until the government changes the laws. Keep up the good work and well-done Mike King!

Liz

What sort of Minister do we have? Typically, I hate to add, professing not to know about pig farming. I'm no farmer yet I know about it! Get a minister that will change this horrid practice. I could kiss you Mike for trying to make the public aware... The pork board should not be allowed to lobby against ending this disgusting practice. I'm not buying pork unless its free range!

Anon

I just wanted to sincerely thank you for exposing the appalling reality of pig farming in New Zealand and to commend Mike King for fronting this campaign. I truly respect him for having the courage to stand up and be counted on this issue and for having the compassion, humanity, open-mindedness and humility to re-evaluate what he once promoted. It takes courage to stand up for our convictions and even greater courage to change our position, so we admire and respect him. We also share in the sense of shame he expressed, knowing that in the past we ignorantly consumed and therefore unwittingly helped perpetuate such cruel practices. Thank you SAFE and Mike King for opening our eyes to the truth and thank you also to SUNDAY who reported on this issue in such a powerful and moving way. ..

Sarah

Tonight I watched a show re NZ pig farms and was left deeply moved. The segment that Mike King presented opened my eyes to a world of cruelty I didn't know existed... I never thought much about where my food was coming from and how it came to be on my plate, but now before I buy such products I will think about this...

Renee, Moisties & Nicole

I am so blown away! That was so awesome! A half-hour show on prime time TV exposing how horribly pigs are treated. Can you please pass on the deepest thanks from us to everyone involved. I can only hope this will lead to some drastic changes. The Minister of Agriculture was a complete tosser, lying through his teeth. Great work, I'm so proud to be a vegan!!

Ben, Debra and 8 Foot Sativa 

We were so moved by Mike King's sad story and full of admiration for the courage he showed in coming forward to publicise the pig crate issue. Having any well known figure speak so sincerely is a powerful message. Please pass on to him our heartfelt thanks for bringing this cruel practice to the wider public. It would be wonderful if his initiative led to a law change.

Mary and Nick

Maggie

Hi everyone at SAFE. The report last night was excellent. Thanks to everyone who was involved, especially Mike King! Absolutely amazing work by all of you guys!!!

Louise

Glad he saw the light (or the hell more like it!)

Amy

Hi Mike,
I have been totally moved and have great admiration for you and your stance on crate farming pigs in New Zealand. Thankyou so much for bringing this disgusting farming method to New Zealander's attention and the support you give. I always thought when I saw your pork advertisements on TV - 'does he understand what he is promoting?' - and now your investigation and stance has been inspiring and admirable. Thank you.

Carla 

Thanks so much for publicising the utterly disgraceful situations that our NZ pigs are living in and suffering in every minute of their lives. Also a thank you to Mike King for having the courage to say he got it wrong and to bring the pig situation to the attention of the NZ public. I had no idea how some of our pigs in our "clean, green" country are being treated. I will now only buy free-range pork as my way of not supporting such cruelty and supporting free-range farmers. To think about how those poor pigs are being treated is unbelievable. I can't fathom how those pig farmers can sleep at night.

I agree with Mike King and challenge the Minister to spend 45 minutes in one of those pig farms. I really do think it will force him to have a good hard look at the actual situation and not hide behind the Welfare Advisory Board - a board no doubt heavily represented by pig farmers! Thanks and all the best with SAFE.

Michelle