Friday, 17 February 2012 14:10

Mixed reaction to border review

Written by 

Horticulture New Zealand wants to see stronger biosecurity protection come out of this week's Ministerial announcement of an investigation into how border protection agencies can work together.

And both HortNZ and Federated Farmers say they want the focus to be on effectiveness rather than efficiency.

"The focus on efficiency gains could actually increase our risk of pest and disease incursions, and we can't let that happen," says HortNZ president Andrew Fenton.

The comments follow the announcement by Primary Industries Minister David Carter, Customs Minister Maurice Williamson and Immigration Minister Nathan Guy on "Future Directions for the Border Sector", a work programme to look at how the three agencies can operate together more effectively.

Carter says it will take a fresh look at the functions of each agency and how co-ordination of the overall border management system can be improved.

"Protecting the integrity of New Zealand's biosecurity system is a top priority. With $80 billion of exports and imports and 10 million travellers across our border each year, this must not be compromised," Carter says.

Williamson says this work programme will build on a number of joint initiatives already overseen by the Border Sector Governance Group to improve information sharing and the targeting of risk at the border.

"An example is the Joint Border Management System (JBMS), a new information system developed by Customs and MAF, which is leading to reduced duplication and fragmentation of border services and lower costs for industry and government."

HortNZ says it is always pleased to hear Carter say biosecurity is a top priority for New Zealand.

"But we need to improve the performance of our biosecurity system and recognise that it is by far the most important function at our border. The consequences of its failure are massive and could cost the country billions of dollars."

HortNZ expects to be fully involved in this review to ensure positive biosecurity outcomes.

Federated Farmers vice-president William says he is concerned the emphasis, on streamlining and efficiency, is in the wrong place. New Zealand relies on having strong border controls to keep out pests and diseases which could threaten our agricultural industries.

"Improving border management systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness is an admirable goal as long as it has the intention of keeping unwanted organisms out. Doing it just to process more international passengers faster would be a mistake."

The work programme will provide recommendations to the Government by mid-year.

More like this

Eyes open for biosecurity pests and diseases

Every year, the New Zealand Winegrowers biosecurity team is sent an increasing number of images from members of suspected grapevine pest insects and disease symptoms, evidence that a high level of biosecurity awareness is building amongst the industry.

Biosecurity teams all set for busy summer

Biosecurity New Zealand says its frontline teams are ready for the anticipated influx of summer travellers with changes to arrivals processing at airports and the introduction of new hosts to help people.

Food security crucial

Hort NZ chair Barry O'Neil says food supply and security is fundamental to New Zealand's future.

Featured

Sheep drench resistance costly

Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

AGTEK and ARGO part ways

After 12 years of representing the Landini and McCormick brands in New Zealand, Bay of Plenty-based AGTEK and the brands’…

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Why?

OPINION: A mate of yours truly wants to know why the beef schedule differential is now more than 45-50 cents…

Fat to cut

OPINION: Your canine crusader understands that MPI were recently in front of the Parliamentary Primary Sector Select Committee for an…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter