Biosecurity boost proposed
A private member’s bill to give border officials the authority to refuse entry to New Zealand to people who knowingly bring in high-risk biosecurity items has been lodged by Opposition MP Hamish Walker.
The bill proposes increasing infringement fees from $400 to $1000 for people trying to bring in illegal items, and would also give officers stronger authority to refuse entry for those attempting to breach biosecurity laws.
‘‘Prevention is key in protecting our borders and if offenders are deterred further by the risk of heavier fines or even entry refusal, we are further protecting our country,’’ the Clutha-Southland MP said. Mycoplasma bovis, a Queensland fruitfly, myrtle rust and velvetleaf showed the devastation biosecurity breaches had on the country, he said.
‘‘We also face further risks in easily transmittable diseases threatening our borders like african swine fever [a viral disease of domestic and wild pigs].
‘‘My member’s bill would work first and foremost to deter people from trying to bring in illegal biosecurity breaching items,’’ Walker said.
Meanwhile, a group of 50 New Zealand companies have signed a first-of-its-kind pledge to protect New Zealand from pests and diseases. The Biosecurity Business Pledge – which includes some of New Zealand’s biggest businesses such as Fonterra, Auckland Airport, Goodman Fielder, Countdown and Mainfreight – was launched late last month by participating businesses and Biosecurity Minister Damien
O’Connor. The businesses pledged to play their part in efforts to prevent pests and diseases from getting into New Zealand, or helping to stop their spread if they do get here.
‘‘The aim of the pledge is to take a more proactive approach to biosecurity by improving the partnership between government and businesses, to help prevent unnecessary costs and disruptions for Kiwi businesses, communities and the wider New Zealand economy,’’ O’Connor said.
‘‘Our primary sector is worth over $46.4 billion annually and tourism is worth over $39b. The economic benefits of that flow through to all New Zealanders and we have to protect it.’’
Earlier this year, Biosecurity NZ launched a new in-flight video to remind visitors about the importance of keeping pests and diseases out.