Biosecurity Taranaki a 'milestone' for region
Taranaki has launched Biosecurity Taranaki in an effort to safeguard the region’s environment.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says its is thrilled that the Biosecurity (Information for Incoming Passengers) Amendment Bill was drawn from the Private Member's Ballot yesterday.
The bill was introduced by Labour MP Steph Lewis.
If passed, the bill will amend the Biosecurity Act 1993 to require that all aircrafts entering New Zealand provide biosecurity information to people onboard by both a video and writing.
"When the border re-opens, it will be important to remind travellers of the need to be particularly vigilant when entering New Zealand," says HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman.
He says that New Zealand's horticulture and other primary industries could be destroyed if a virulent pest or disease entered the country.
"This would have catastrophic effects on exports and the New Zealand economy, at a time when things are already fragile."
"Our border security staff do a fantastic job. When passed, this law will support their role to keep New Zealand's biosecurity tight, by reminding passengers to be vigilant and declare any goods that could be harbouring a pest or disease that New Zealand doesn't have."
A first reading of the bill has not been scheduled.
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.