Invasive weed water hyacinth found in Waikato River
An invasive weed that can reduce water quality and block irrigation systems has been discovered in the Waikato River.
The Biosecurity Law Reform Bill makes a wide range of amendments to the Act, along with related amendments to four other Acts.
"New Zealand has a highly effective biosecurity system which is recognised as world-leading, but the legislation has not kept pace with the way the system has had to evolve to meet ever-growing challenges," says Primary Industries Minister David Carter.
"The amended Act covers the areas of border biosecurity, joint decision-making on newly detected harmful organisms and on-going management of established pests.
"The reforms will enable better use of information to target risks and encourage partnerships in the management of potential biosecurity incursions."
Carter says a key plank of the reforms is the development of government-industry agreements on preparing for, and responding to, newly detected pests and diseases, and for sharing the costs of jointly-agreed activities.
"Protecting New Zealand from biosecurity risks cannot be the role of government alone. Industry expertise needs to be brought to the decision-making table to help improve prioritisation and our preparedness to respond to incursions.
"This important piece of legislation is a further step in fulfilling the vision of the Ministry for Primary Industries to grow and protect New Zealand," Carter says.
