increase font size
90% of livestock farmers met their NAIT obligations in 2021.
MPI says its push on NAIT compliance is paying off with almost 90% of livestock farmers meeting their obligations in 2021.
However, it is warning against any complacency, despite rates of compliance with the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme continuing to rise.
The scheme maintains a national database of cattle and deer movements.
"It's a critical part of New Zealand's ability to respond quickly to biosecurity threats," says MPI national manager of animal welfare and NAIT compliance, Gray Harrison.
"We take non-compliance seriously because of the potentially devastating effect these threats can have on industry and communities," he adds.
"Up to 2018, only about 60% of tagged animals were being registered before first movement. Since 2019, MPI and OSPRI, which maintains the NAIT database, have renewed efforts to improve compliance, and the compliance rate is up to 90% this year."
MPI prosecuted 18 people in charge of animals for failing to meet their obligations under the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme in 2021.
In addition, it issued 1,782 infringements, and 2,372 written warnings.
"It's having the desired effect, but we can't afford complacency," Harrison adds.
"Our message to people with animals, which come under the NAIT scheme, is that we all need to do our part to protect New Zealand. For our part, we will continue to keep a close eye on NAIT compliance."
Harrison believes amendments to penalties in the NAIT Act, which increased the maximum penalty tenfold to $100,000 in late 2019, sends a strong message - that people need to treat this scheme very seriously.
"If you are unsure about what you need to do, please reach out," he adds.
"There is plenty of information, advice and support available. Visit the OSPRI website for details."
OPINION: MPI's response to the yellow-legged hornet has received a mixed report card from New Zealand Beekeeping Inc (NZBI), with praise for the Ministry's expansion of response funding and front-line efforts in Auckland, but a sting in the tail - criticising MPI for not focusing enough on regions outside the big smoke.
A stable but uncertain year lies ahead for New Zealand primary products, says Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General, Ray Smith.
Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.
Fruit growers and exporters are worried following the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland this week.
A booklet produced in 2025 by the Rotoiti 15 trust, Department of Conservation and Scion – now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – aims to help people identify insect pests and diseases.
Libby Judson is a keeper of memories from an age gone by. Tim Fulton tells her story.
A New Zealand-first native tree study has highlighted the Bioeconomy Science Institute's position as a forestry research leader.
Hemp fibre processor Rubisco is relocating its core processing facility to Ashburton as part of a $20-$30 million expansion to leverage what it says is an accelerating global demand for sustainable and renewable fibres.
Tradition meets some of the latest in technology at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
OPINION: Trade Minister Todd McClay and the trade negotiator in government have presented Kiwis with an amazing gift for 2026 - a long awaited and critical free trade deal with India.
Former Agriculture Minister Nathan Guy says he's excited about his new role as NZ's Special Agricultural Trade Envoy.
OPINION: If the hand-wringing, cravat and bow-tie wearing commentariat of a left-leaning persuasion had any influence on global markets, we'd…
OPINION: With Winston Peters playing politics with the PM's Indian FTA, all eyes will be on Labour who have the…
