Friday, 26 March 2021 11:09

HortNZ backs Biosecurity Amendment Bill

Written by  Staff Reporters
HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman

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.

More like this

Featured

Rural Industry Leaders Event Raises $400,000

New Zealand’s rural sector has once again demonstrated its generosity, with the second Rural Industry Leaders Dinner, Debate and Auction raising an impressive $400,000 for the Rural Support Trust.

National

Top Maori Orchard On Show

A large crowd turned out for the last of the field days of the three finalists in this years Ahuwhenua…

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

A Good Start

OPINION: While we're on the topic of lumberjacks, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has no doubt used a chainsaw hundreds of…

Smith V Fonterra

OPINION: To a chorus of crying greenies, and not a minute too soon, the Government has moved to put the…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter