Thursday, 19 September 2024 14:09

Consultation begins on biosecurity system updates

Written by  Staff Reporters
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.

Today, public consultation begins on a series of proposals designed to strengthen New Zealand’s biosecurity system.

Included in those proposals are higher fines for passengers bringing in undeclared high-risk goods, greater flexibility surrounding import requirements, and fairer cost sharing for biosecurity responses.

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the future is about resilience, adding that the current Biosecurity Act – which is 30 years old – requires updating.

“A number of potential amendments are proposed to ensure it remains resilient and fit for the future,” Hoggard says.

He says New Zealand’s relative freedom from pests and diseases play a significant role in New Zealand’s competitive advantage, underpinning the country’s $53 billion food and fibre export industry.

“The Act is the legislative framework for the system that enables us to manage biosecurity risk and protect the economy and environment from harmful incursions,” Hoggard says. “This is important work, and we need input from primary industries, mana whenua, local authorities and the wider public to ensure we’ve got it right.”

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will lead the policy programme to amend the Act.

Consultation materials, including seven discussion documents setting out policy proposals for change are on MPI’s website and can be accessed by visiting https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/

More like this

Get involved in local elections

OPINION: During my last recess break, I got around the country and met with many farmers and growers from Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Manawatu, Marlborough, and Canterbury.

MPI: Primary sector exports hit record $60B

A blockbuster year and an exciting performance: that's how Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General, Ray Smith is describing the massive upsurge in the fortunes of the primary sector exports for the year ended June 2025.

Featured

Brendan Attrill scoops national award for sustainable farming

Brendan Attrill of Caiseal Trust in Taranaki has been announced as the 2025 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing and recipient of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the National Sustainability Showcase at in Wellington this evening.

National

Machinery & Products

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this…

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Don't hold back!

OPINION: ACT MP Mark Cameron isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he certainly calls it how he sees it, holding…

Sorry, not sorry

OPINION: Did former PM Jacinda Ardern get fawning reviews for her book?

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter