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OPINION: New Zealand's prosperity has always been built on farmers and scientists working together to shape our economy.
Robert Ngaru Kururangi, age 68, was sentencedd this week on three charges under the Animal Products Act following prosecution by New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS).
Illegal Meat Operation Investigated
According to Vincent Arbuckle, NZFS deputy director general, Kururangi operated an unregistered meat business as is required under the Animal Products Act.
This means the business was operating without the necessary checks and balances within the food safety system designed to keep consumers safe.
Compliance investigators started inquiries into alleged pig sales at Kururangi's property after previously advising him that it was illegal to sell unregulated meat.
Undercover Investigation Reveals Illegal Slaughter
The compliance investigation included an undercover officer purchasing pigs which were illegally slaughtered on the farm and cost between $250 and $300.
The officer witnessed Kururangi's farm manager slaughtering a selected pig.
"While someone buying one of these pigs may have considered it a great deal, their health was potentially put at risk because of the pair’s illegal behaviour," says Arbuckle.
Direction Notice Ignored
In November 2022, NZFS issued a Notice of Direction under the Animal Products Act for Kururangi and the farm manager, prohibiting them from selling unregulated meat or providing facilities for any person to kill an animal.
However, electronic records show they continued to offer these services illegally.
Food Safety Rules Protect Consumers
"The majority of operators in New Zealand follow the rules and understand the importance of doing so to keep consumers safe," says Arbuckle.
"When we find evidence of people deliberately flouting the law, we take action to protect consumers as in this case," he concludes.
