Displaying items by tag: Biosecurity

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.

The wider agribusiness sector has nailed its share of loot in the recent Budget – with extra money for R&D, training, irrigation, animal welfare and biosecurity.

Horticulture farmers are delighted with the plan to have visitors to New Zealand paying a share of the costs associated with protecting our nation's borders.

National's 2015 Budget has allocated extra funding to strengthen animal welfare systems and biosecurity.

A $10 million package over four years will bolster New Zealand's animal welfare systems, according to Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.

The nursery and garden industry needs to be inside the tent on biosecurity planning because of its relationships throughout the horticulture and forestry sectors, says Nursery and Garden Industry Association chief executive John Liddle.

Labour's primary industries spokesman Damien O’Connor is concerned that trade-related issues may be overriding biosecurity issues.

The New Zealand Equine Health Association signed up to a Government Industry Agreement (GIA) for Biosecurity Readiness and Response at the Karaka yearling sales last month. 

THE KIWIFRUIT Claim is waiting to see if the High Court will set a deadline for growers to sign up to become plaintiffs, says media spokesperson Matthew Hooton.  

Recent changes at Auckland Airport will benefit biosecurity, says MPI. A new layout and new x-ray equipment aim to increase space, allow the deployment additional staff, and improve flow for biosecurity checks.

A passenger arriving at Wellington airport has had to give up his lucky charms due to their potential biosecurity risk.