Biosecurity tops priorities for agribusiness leaders - report
Biosecurity remains the top priority for agribusiness leaders, according to KPMG’s 2025 Agribusiness Agenda released last week.
A 58-year-old Chinese man was sentenced in Manukau District Court last week for trying to bring a variety of unauthorised plant seeds into New Zealand.
Kwan Sang Cheng arrived at Auckland International Airport on a flight from Hong Kong. He filled out a Passenger Arrival Card and ticked 'yes' to bringing in food but ticked 'no' to possessing any plant material.
Cheng was questioned by quarantine inspectors regarding his declaration of food and had his baggage inspected. The search revealed the plant seeds in his jacket. When asked what they were and if they were for consumption, Cheng said they were not food and that he intended to plant them in a relative's garden in New Zealand.
He also stated that he knew the seeds could not be brought into New Zealand. He was convicted and fined $2500 and ordered to pay court costs of $132.89.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) northern region compliance manager, Greg Keys says that failing to declare risk goods can have major repercussions for passengers and New Zealand's biosecurity.
"Plant seeds can pose a significant biosecurity risk to New Zealand's unique environment. Passengers wanting to bring in plant material must declare it so it can be assessed for risk," says Keys.
"There are biosecurity signs located around the airport, quarantine inspectors on duty, and amnesty bins are clearly visible and are provided in the passenger arrival hall for the disposal of any last minute items. So not knowing is not an excuse."
The maximum penalty for knowingly attempting to possess unauthorised goods is five years' imprisonment and/or a fine of $100,000.
"Passengers can ask MPI quarantine inspectors about any items they are unsure about.
"Our vigilant quarantine inspectors are keeping our border safe 24/7 but we also need the public to help us protect New Zealand from biosecurity risks. So make sure you declare."
Two butcheries have claimed victory at the 100% New Zealand Bacon & Ham Awards for 2025.
A Taupiri farming company has been convicted and fined $52,500 in the Hamilton District Court for the unlawful discharge of dairy effluent into the environment.
The Climate Change Commission’s 2025 emissions reduction monitoring report reveals steady progress on the reduction of New Zealand’s climate pollution.
Another milestone has been reached in the fight against Mycoplasma bovis with the compensation assistance service being wound up after helping more than 1300 farmers.
The Government’s directive for state farmer Landcorp Farming (trading as Pamu) to lifts its performance is yielding results.
The move to bring bovine TB testing in-house at Ospri officially started this month, as a team of 37 skilled and experienced technicians begin work with the disease eradication agency.
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