MPI cuts 391 jobs
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.
Recent changes at Auckland Airport will benefit biosecurity, says MPI. A new layout and new x-ray equipment aim to increase space, allow the deployment additional staff, and improve flow for biosecurity checks.
"Low-risk passengers will spend less time in queues, enabling us to focus more on high-risk passengers – a major objective of MPI's risk-management approach," says Craig Hughes, MPI's northern border clearance manager, passengers and mail.
"One of the changes will be the introduction of a large green door to provide more visible access to our green lanes, which allow speedier exit for approved New Zealand and Australian passport holders."
According to Hughes, MPI and NZ customs staff will now share a search area and a collection counter, giving a single point for the processing of biosecurity fines and customs duties.
In the extra space provided by the layout change, the MPI has installed two new replacement x-ray machines for detecting biosecurity goods. The new machines are more reliable than previous equipment used, with improved image quality and functionality.
"This means border staff will be better equipped to spot biosecurity risk items before they enter New Zealand," says Hughes.
Hughes thanked Auckland Airport for financing the layout changes, saying he was "impressed by the company's commitment to the project and to biosecurity".
"The work is a good example of an airport and border agencies working closely together to improve biosecurity and the customer experience."
Judy Nicholl, Auckland Airport's general manager of aeronautical operations, says, "The new biosecurity layout and passenger processing system will improve the experience for those arriving at Auckland Airport from overseas."
"We congratulate the Ministry for Primary Industries on their ongoing commitment to improve what is one of the very first experiences that international tourists have when they arrive in New Zealand."
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
OPINION: This old mutt well remembers the wailing, whining and gnashing of teeth by former West Coast MP and Labour…
OPINION: Your canine crusader gets a little fed up with the some in media, union hacks, opposition politicians and hard-core…