Mixed reaction to border review

And both HortNZ and Federated Farmers say they want the focus to be on effectiveness rather than efficiency.

"The focus on efficiency gains could actually increase our risk of pest and disease incursions, and we can't let that happen," says HortNZ president Andrew Fenton.

The comments follow the announcement by Primary Industries Minister David Carter, Customs Minister Maurice Williamson and Immigration Minister Nathan Guy on "Future Directions for the Border Sector", a work programme to look at how the three agencies can operate together more effectively.

Carter says it will take a fresh look at the functions of each agency and how co-ordination of the overall border management system can be improved.

"Protecting the integrity of New Zealand's biosecurity system is a top priority. With $80 billion of exports and imports and 10 million travellers across our border each year, this must not be compromised," Carter says.

Williamson says this work programme will build on a number of joint initiatives already overseen by the Border Sector Governance Group to improve information sharing and the targeting of risk at the border.

"An example is the Joint Border Management System (JBMS), a new information system developed by Customs and MAF, which is leading to reduced duplication and fragmentation of border services and lower costs for industry and government."

HortNZ says it is always pleased to hear Carter say biosecurity is a top priority for New Zealand.

"But we need to improve the performance of our biosecurity system and recognise that it is by far the most important function at our border. The consequences of its failure are massive and could cost the country billions of dollars."

HortNZ expects to be fully involved in this review to ensure positive biosecurity outcomes.

Federated Farmers vice-president William says he is concerned the emphasis, on streamlining and efficiency, is in the wrong place. New Zealand relies on having strong border controls to keep out pests and diseases which could threaten our agricultural industries.

"Improving border management systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness is an admirable goal as long as it has the intention of keeping unwanted organisms out. Doing it just to process more international passengers faster would be a mistake."

The work programme will provide recommendations to the Government by mid-year.