Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said that changes to New Zealand’s biosecurity laws will strengthen protections against invasive pests and diseases while protecting and promoting economic growth.
“Food and fibre sector export revenue is forecast to reach NZD 61.4 billion in 2026, making up more than 10 percent of GDP. The primary sector really is the backbone of the economy,” said Hoggard.
“Our relative freedom from pests and diseases is a big part of our competitive advantage and underpins our world-leading food and fibre export industry.”
Hoggard added that any incursion can have a significant impact. An NZIER economic analysis found that a Foot and Mouth incursion would cost about NZD 14.3 billion per year.
“What matters is strengthening our biosecurity defences from pests and disease. We’re fixing the system so our food producers can keep doing what they do best.”
These changes underwent extensive public consultation between September and December last year, and Hoggard said they had listened to the industry and the public to deliver practical fixes that make New Zealand more secure.
The changes include:
- Introducing a two-tiered infringement approach for passengers who fail to declare risk goods at the border. The fine will be NZD 800 for those who do not declare high-risk goods such as fresh fruit and meat. The existing NZD 400 fine will remain for other goods.
- New penalties designed to deter behaviour that puts New Zealand at risk, including fines for breaches of controlled area notices, the power of arrest for obstructing the execution of a search warrant, and fines of up to NZD 500,000 for serious offences.
- Making New Zealand’s import rules more efficient by making the development of import health standards more flexible, and by allowing risk assessments to be tailored to the scenario. This will enable higher trade volumes and give exporters greater access to new materials to develop innovative products without lowering biosecurity standards.
- Improved management of established pests and diseases, including faster approval of pest management plans and faster processes to get responses underway in emergencies.
- Retaining compensation for direct and consequential losses in the event of an incursion, only when they are incurred within 24 months of an event, reflects the need to strike a balance between fairness and prudent management of taxpayer money.
- Enabling minimum compensation entitlements to be varied by regulations or the Government Industry Agreement process.
“I have decided not to progress legislative changes that were consulted on that would have expanded biofouling controls beyond New Zealand’s territorial waters,” he added.
“The best way to manage any incursion is to keep unwanted pests and diseases out in the first place, which is why the Government is committed to maintaining a strong border and robust biosecurity systems. We hope to see a draft bill incorporating the changes progress through Parliament later next year.”
More local news here
