KVH welcomes border clearance levy

KVH chief executive, Barry O'Neil, says the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has carried out a thorough consultation process which the kiwifruit industry has been actively engaged with.

"KVH has always supported the levy as it will provide sustainable funding into the future and address New Zealand's increasing biosecurity risks as more and more passengers enter New Zealand," says O'Neil.

"As a GIA partner we provided input during the consultation period to ensure the best possible outcome was achieved for the kiwifruit industry and New Zealand.

"We believe the Government has landed in an appropriate and pragmatic place as a result of the consultation."

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Customs Minister Nicky Wagner announed the rate today, following public consultation on the amount, the levy design and how it is to be paid. The levy comes into effect on January 1, 2016 and will be $18.76 + GST for air travellers and those arriving and departing on private crafts, and $22.80 + GST for cruise passengers. The higher rate for cruise passengers reflects the additional biosecurity assessments required at ports.

Children under 2 years of age, crew and transit passengers will be exempt, as will the military, Government crisis workers and anyone who purchased and paid for their ticket in full before January 1, 2016 for travel over the next 12 months.

KVH says the kiwifruit industry is no stranger to unwanted pests and diseases so is very supportive of any initiatives that increase protection at the border.

"As passenger numbers coming into New Zealand rise, so too does the risk of unwanted pests and diseases. Therefore it makes sense to have a funding mechanism that can keep pace with the changing risk profile; and those that create risks at the border will also fund the activities to mitigate them."

Passenger volumes are forecast to increase to 13.3 million by 2018/19. This growth is expected to continue at about 5-4% per year.