increase font size
A farm CEO has been fined for failing to register 820 animals on his farms.
The chief executive of a large Waikato farm business has been fined a total of $3,600 for four charges related to a failure to register 820 animals under the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme.
Kim Phillip Robinson is chief executive of Lochiel Farmlands Limited and responsible for the registration of the animals.
The farm manages approximately 3,000 cattle as dry stock with its main operations being as a breeder and finisher of stock.
Robinson appeared for sentencing before the Pukekohe District Court on 3 May 2021.
MPI regional manager animal welfare and NAIT compliance, Brendon Mikkelsen says the NAIT system is critical to MPI’s ability to respond quickly in the event of biosecurity outbreaks.
“It allows us to track and trace animals that might be moving between farms or to meat processors so we can quickly understand and deal with biosecurity threats which can have a devastating impact on the rural communities and the wider economy,” Mikkelsen says.
“Despite previously being reminded of his obligations and being registered as the person in charge of the NAIT animals since 2012 at Lochiel Farmlands Limited, Mr Robinson failed to play his part to protect New Zealand’s biosecurity.”
Robinson’s offending came to light through an analysis of the NAIT database.
“He moved 820 unregistered NAIT animals off Lochiel Farmlands Limited to four meat processing facilities between February and early November 2019.
“Most people in charge of animals understand what is at stake and ensure they’ve registered NAIT animals. For those who don’t, our message is that non-compliance will be found and dealt with,” Mikkelsen says.
He adds that it is particularly important that farmers remember their NAIT responsibilities when moving animals to other locations.
“We encourage people to talk to their farm advisors, or make contact with OSPRI or their industry organisations for support.
“MPI has processes in place that will alert NAIT officers if NAIT animals have not been registered – or if they have been moved without this being recorded in the NAIT system. MPI utilises this system every day, not just on moving day,” Mikkelsen says.
Robinson was also ordered to pay $130 in court costs.
A blockbuster year and an exciting performance: that's how Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General, Ray Smith is describing the massive upsurge in the fortunes of the primary sector exports for the year ended June 2025.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
Movement controls have been lifted from Mainland Poultry’s Hillgrove Farm in Otago, after the successful eradication of H7N6 strain of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
An Auckland man who illegally killed and sold pigs and a chicken has been fined $8,000.
The recent East Coast Farming Expo, held over two days at Wairoa, offered an insight into the current state of agriculture on the east of the North Island, at a time when the locals are remembering the second anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Reuters reports that giant food company Wilmar Group has announced it had handed over 11.8 trillion rupiah (US$725 million) to Indonesia's Attorney General's Office as a "security deposit" in relation to a case in court about alleged misconduct in obtaining palm oil export permits.
DairyNZ is celebrating 60 years of the Economic Survey, reflecting on the evolution of New Zealand's dairy sector over time.
As electricity prices soar, farmers appear to be looking for alternative energy sources.
There is an appeal to New Zealanders to buy local citrus fruit.
Avocado growers are reporting a successful season, but some are struggling to keep their operations afloat following years of bad weather.
It's time to start talking up science again, especially as a career for young people. That's one of the key messages from the Prime Minister's new chief science advisor, Dr John Roche.
