MPI looks to increase fees to industry

 “Without these systems, New Zealand’s $38.3 billion primary sector exports would never get past importing countries’ borders,” says spokesman Dan Bolger. “And our primary industries would be exposed to a much greater risk of pests and diseases.”

This is MPI’s first fee increase since the ministry’s formation in 2011 and the first review of food safety fees since 2008.

“Since that time demand for MPI’s services has increased, driven by increasing imports and exports and a greater number of food businesses,” Bolger says. “Also, inflation pressure has meant that the real cost of delivering services is also increasing.

“The different systems for recovering costs from industry were not developed at the same time. Over time this
has led to potential inequities in current charges. The proposals are designed to address these inequities and ensure all industry – large and small – is treated fairly.”

Bolger says the ministry needs to strike a balance between fair costs and earning enough to do its job. “The increase [would be] $12.8 million for the food and biosecurity systems.

“Feedback from industry and the public is an important part of getting these updates to fee rates right. I encourage you to take part in consultation.”

MPI is running presentations nationwide to explain its fee increased proposals. The deadline for submissions is 20 February 2015. 

For details, visit: https://mpi.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations/

Fee increases

• Update to over 250 biosecurity and food safety fees, charges and levies
• Changes to regulations which ensure fairness, clarify intent and reduce red tape
• Increase the amount recovered from industry for biosecurity by $6.0m to $36.4m
• Increase the amount recovered from industry for food safety by $6.8m to $62.1m.