MPI cuts 391 jobs
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.
Border officials sent two foreign air passengers packing last Friday after they tried to smuggle seeds through Auckland airport.
The seeds were found after a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) quarantine inspector became suspicious of two Chinese passport holders arriving from Shanghai and sent them to have their luggage searched.
The search unearthed 14 foil-wrapped packages of seeds. The packages had been concealed under the inner soles of shoes, within a carton lining, in a handbag and in some wedding invitations.
A police officer also conducted a personal search of one of the passengers after a MPI detector dog gave a positive indication when sniffing the pair.
As a result of the seed find, immigration officials refused the husband and wife entry permission to the country. They were sent back to China that night and are unlikely to be granted visas to enter New Zealand in the future.
"The pair acted recklessly. They either ignored or failed to understand that the illegal importation of seeds could devastate New Zealand's horticulture industry or native plant life," says MPI's Craig Hughes, Manager North Passenger and Mail.
He says the successful outcome was the result of positive interaction between all border agencies.
The seeds have yet to be identified.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says fruit and vegetable growers around the country will be delighted to hear of MPI's dealings with the two illegal seed importers.
"MPI's decision to just send them back to where they came from suits growers just fine," says president Andrew Fenton.
"People who deliberately try to smuggle seeds into this country need to be sent packing.
"It would be nice if we could fine them heaps as well, but this sends a much stronger message to their friends, families and their own wallets."
Strong biosecurity protection is a major key to the continued growth of New Zealand's horticulture industry. "Vigilance at our border will always be the backbone for growth of all our primary sector industries. We can't grow without that protection.
"Anyone who threatens our border should get a quick look at the Arrivals Hall and then be turned around fast back to where they came from," Fenton says.
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.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.
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