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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.
In this biosecurity article, I touch on four subjects of recent interest: the new New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) Biosecurity Contractor Resources, a Brown Marmorated Stink Bug update, a Xylella Action Group update, and the Forest Biosecurity Conference.
Water allocation and storage has been a hot topic of discussion during HortNZ’s grower meetings held recently around the country.
Taranaki has launched Biosecurity Taranaki in an effort to safeguard the region’s environment.
Don't forget East Coast growers hit by Cyclone Gabrielle one year ago.
Every year, the New Zealand Winegrowers biosecurity team is sent an increasing number of images from members of suspected grapevine pest insects and disease symptoms, evidence that a high level of biosecurity awareness is building amongst the industry.
The world’s largest wool processing facility, badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle over one year ago, has re-opened following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project.
A new report has revealed the full impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on Hawke’s Bay’s principals and teachers.
The Commerce Commission says connectivity options for rural New Zealanders are front-of-mind as it begins a formal investigation into the future of the copper network.
Grand Finalists have been selected, all regional finals have concluded, and the journey towards the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final is underway.
New Zealand-grown citrus fruit is now hitting supermarket shelves and Citrus NZ says it promises to be one of the best quality and tastiest seasons the country had in years.
