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Your old mate reckons the border security team at MPI will have a new take on the old saying “Is that a lump in your pants or are you just pleased to see me?” after detecting a Polish gardener trying to smuggle plants in his underpants through Auckland airport recently.
MPI staff intercepted plant cuttings, a bulb, a tuber and seeds in the air passenger’s underwear, found during a search. MPI strip-searched the passenger after a biosecurity detector dog sniffed out the plants near the man’s groin. A Customs drug dog had also indicated the man was carrying something in his pants. According to MPI, the man – a New Zealand resident – was wearing two pairs of underpants and the itchy concealment included ivy from a castle in Poland.
Classified as an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act, the invasive weed velvetleaf can be resistant to many herbicides, making it difficult to control, while statistics note it has the potential to reduce yields by up to 70%.
From last week, the Industrial Hemp Regulations 2006 have been revoked.
According to new research, industry leaders have ranked world-class biodiversity as the number one priority for the 16th year in a row.
An Auckland man has been fined $6,000 for offering to sell illegally slaughtered pigs.
OPINION: New Zealand's prosperity has always been built on farmers and scientists working together to shape our economy.
Joshua Irving has been named the 2026 Ormond Nurseries North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year.
Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work with farmers, manufacturers and government to help shape standards for future use backed by ongoing research to strengthen animal welfare outcomes.
National and world records tumbled as top Kiwi axeman claimed two Stihl Timbersports world titles at the same event in Budapest, Hungary over the first weekend in June.
A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and side-by-sides.
New Zealand farmers have earned a global edge by consistently yet cautiously taking advantage of emerging agri-technology.
New season data from LIC shows a strong reproductive performance for the 2025-26 season, with a lift in key metrics compared to last season.
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