Category: Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Catch limits and allowances across a range of fisheries will change from 1 October 2023 as part of Fisheries New Zealand’s regular sustainability review.

The changes are part of a 6-month cycle of catch limit reviews conducted by Fisheries New Zealand, says Fisheries New Zealand’s director of fisheries management, Emma Taylor.

“These reviews are about ensuring long-term sustainability so there are plenty of fish in the water for current and future generations to enjoy.

“Catch limits are adjusted based on the best available science information along with feedback from the community. This tells us what’s happening in our fisheries and helps identify what course of action to take.

“Where there is evidence more fish can be harvested sustainably, we look to increase limits, and this is the case for 8 of the stocks reviewed. On the other hand, if the information suggests a stock isn’t as healthy, we look at reducing the catch limits to help the fishery recover as we have for 2 of the stocks reviewed.”

In addition to the catch limit changes, deemed value rates for 3 stocks have also been reviewed and adjusted. These are the fees commercial fishers pay for catch that is outside of their Annual Catch Entitlement (ACE).

“The adjustments to deemed value rates have been made to reflect market value and to incentivise commercial fishers to catch within the limits that are set for the year.”

Most of the changes are for commercial catch limits except for kina which has also had an increase to the allowance for customary fishing recognising the significance of kina as a taonga species and local source of kaimoana.

Summary of the changes

Stocks with catch limit increases

• Kutai/Green-lipped mussel in Waikato, the west coast of Auckland and Northland, and Te Oneroa a Tōhe/Ninety Mile Beach (GLM 9) – increased for the six months to April 2024, then will revert to the current total allowable catch.
• Kina in the east of Northland, Auckland, Hauraki Gulf, and Bay of Plenty (SUR 1A and SUR 1B).
• Tiikati/Gemfish in Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, East Cape, Hawke’s Bay, and the east coast of Wellington (SKI 1 and SKI 2).
• Araara/Trevally in East Cape, Hawke’s Bay, and the east coast of Wellington (TRE 2).
• Kumukumu/Red gurnard in the east coast of the South Island, Chatham Rise, sub-Antarctic, Southland, Rakiura, and Fiordland (GUR 3).
• Silver warehou in the east coast of the South Island (SWA 3).

Stocks with catch limit reductions

• Pūwhara/Monkfish in the West Coast and top of the South Island (STA 7).
• Nihorota/Orange roughy in the Chatham Rise and southern Aotearoa (ORH 3B).

Deemed value adjustments

• Tāmure/Snapper on the west coast of the North Island (SNA 8) – deemed value rate increased.
• Tāmure/Snapper on the West Coast and top of the South Island (SNA 7) – deemed value rate decreased.
• Tupere/School Shark in Southland and sub-Antarctic (SCH 5) – deemed value rate increased.

Public consultation on the proposed changes took place between June and July 2023.

A prohibition on all commercial kina dredging in Tory Channel in the Marlborough sounds will also take effect on 1 October 2023. Proposals to restrict kina dredging in Tory Channel were publicly consulted between January and February as part of Fisheries New Zealand’s April sustainability review

Fisheries New Zealand provides recommendations to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries who makes the final decisions. The advice from Fisheries New Zealand is based on the latest stock assessments, feedback from tangata whenua, recreational and commercial fishing interests, environmental interests, and the public.

“I’d like to thank tangata whenua and everyone who provided feedback during the public consultation,” Emma Taylor said. 

More information about the consultation including the minister’s decision

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Have your say

From 20 September to 28 October 2023 the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment on proposed changes to the:

• Import Health Standard 152.02: Importation and Clearance of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables into New Zealand
• Fresh Rambutan for Human Consumption
• Fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinale and Z. zerumbet) for Human Consumption

Full details of the proposed changes are in the consultation documents.

Consultation documents

Draft IHS 152.02: Importation and Clearance of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables into New Zealand [PDF, 2.2 MB]

Draft Fresh Rambutan for Human Consumption [PDF, 373 KB]

Draft Fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinale and Z. zerumbet) for Human Consumption [PDF, 397 KB]

Risk Management Proposal: Amendment of the pre-export phytosanitary inspection requirements [PDF, 385 KB]

Making your submission

Email your feedback on the draft documents by 5pm on 28 October 2023 to plantimports@mpi.govt.nz

Make sure you include in your submission:

• the title of the consultation document in the subject line of your email
• your name and title (if applicable)
• your organisation’s name (if you’re submitting on behalf of an organisation)
• your contact details (for example, phone number, address and email).

While we prefer email, you can send your submission by post to:

Horticulture Imports
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand.

All submissions received by the closing date will be considered before the amended import health standard (IHS) is issued. MPI may hold late submissions on file for consideration when the issued IHS is next revised or reviewed.

Next steps

After we have considered all submissions, there is a 10-day period which provides submitters with the opportunity to examine any changes to the IHS which have resulted from consultation. An independent review (under section 24 of the Biosecurity Act 1993) may be requested in this period if a submitter considers scientific evidence, they raised in their submission has not received sufficient consideration. If there is no review, the IHS becomes final after 10 days.

Find out more about the process

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Have your say

New Zealand Food Safety is inviting public comment on proposed changes to the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) Food Notice. The food notice establishes MRLs for agricultural chemicals and veterinary medicines (Schedule 1) to manage residues that may occur in food in New Zealand. (It also lists agricultural chemicals (Schedule 2) and veterinary medicines (Schedule 3) for which no MRL applies).

For this consultation, we’re proposing 5 new or amended maximum residue levels in Schedule 1.

Full details are in the consultation document. Submissions close at 5pm on 13 November 2023.

Consultation document

Proposals to amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice [PDF, 382 KB]

Related documents

NZL 732 – SPS notification – Proposals to Amend the Maximum Residue Levels [PDF, 217 KB]

Food Notice: Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds (the current notice) [PDF, 769 KB]

Background information about MRLs

Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) are the maximum legal levels for residues of agricultural chemicals and veterinary medicines in food for sale in New Zealand. As new products and uses are registered, new MRLs are set and existing MRLs are adjusted as needed. This is to ensure that residue levels remain as low as practicable without compromising the ability for the chemical to successfully do what is intended. Entries are also set and amended for compounds that do not require MRLs to manage residues in food.

The entries in the notice for MRLs and compounds for which MRLs do not apply are established for agricultural compounds to support good agricultural practice in New Zealand while ensuring risks associated with food safety are effectively managed. MRLs may also be proposed to support the importation of food into New Zealand.

Making a submission

Email your feedback on the consultation document by 5pm on 13 November 2023 to MaximumResidueLevels@mpi.govt.nz

For each compound you comment about in your submission, answer these questions:

1. On balance, do you oppose any of the details of the proposals, such as setting a MRL for a particular commodity or species?
2. Do you oppose an MRL entry being established at all for this compound or for a commodity? If so, why do you oppose it?
3. If an MRL is to be set for this compound for the commodity, do you disagree with the levels or conditions proposed? If so, why do you disagree?

Make sure you include in your submission:

• the title of the consultation document in the subject line of your email
• your name and title (if applicable)
• your organisation’s name (if applicable)
• your address
• the answers to the questions posed above for each compound you are commenting on.

While we prefer email, you can send your submission by post to:

MRL Amendments
New Zealand Food Safety
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Have your say

From 12 September to 10 October 2023, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment on proposed changes to the import health standards for Citrus spp. Seven import health standards are affected.

Justification for the proposed amendments is in the risk management proposal.

Full details of the proposed changes are in the consultation documents.

Consultation documents

Draft IHS: Fresh Mexican Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) for Human Consumption [PDF, 449 KB] 

Draft IHS: Fresh Tahitian Lime (Citrus latifolia) for Human Consumption [PDF, 446 KB] 

Draft IHS: Fresh Lemon (Citrus limon) for Human Consumption [PDF, 449 KB] 

Draft IHS: Fresh Pomelo (Citrus maxima) for Human Consumption [PDF, 454 KB]

Draft IHS: Fresh Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) for Human Consumption [PDF, 455 KB]

Draft IHS: Fresh Mandarin, Tangelo and Tangor (Citrus reticulata, Citrus reticulata × Citrus paradisi and Citrus reticulata × Citrus sinensis) for Human Consumption [PDF, 463 KB]

Draft IHS: Fresh Orange (Citrus sinensis) for Human Consumption [PDF, 457 KB]

Risk Management Proposal: Amendments to the import health standards for fresh citrus (Citrus) for human consumption [PDF, 462 KB]

Making your submission

Email your feedback on the draft by 5pm on 10 October 2023 to plantimports@mpi.govt.nz

Make sure you include in your submission:

• the title of the consultation document in the subject line of your email
• your name and title (if applicable)
• your organisation’s name (if you’re submitting on behalf of an organisation)
• your contact details (for example, phone number, address, and email).

While we prefer email, you can send your submission by post to:

Horticulture Imports
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand.

All submissions received by the closing date will be considered before the amended import health standard (IHS) is issued. MPI may hold late submissions on file for consideration when the issued IHS is next revised or reviewed.

Next steps

After we have considered all submissions, there is a 10-day period which provides submitters with the opportunity to examine any changes to the IHS which have resulted from consultation. An independent review (under section 24 of the Biosecurity Act 1993) may be requested in this period if a submitter considers scientific evidence they raised during their submission has not received sufficient consideration. If there is no review, the IHS becomes final after 10 days.

Find out more about the process

Legal background

MPI must consult with interested parties in accordance with section 23 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) and MPI’s consultation policy before issuing or amending (other than of minor or urgent nature) import health standards (IHS) under sections 24A and 24B of the Act.

An IHS specifies import requirements that must be met either in the country of origin or of export, or during transit, before biosecurity clearance can be given for the goods to enter New Zealand. MPI must ensure that these requirements are technically justified and provide an appropriate level of biosecurity protection.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety today issued a public health warning advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish harvested from the Raglan coastline.

The warning extends from Port Waikato, southward to Tauratahi Point at the entrance of Kawhia Harbour. The warning includes the entire Raglan and Aotea Harbours but not Kawhia Harbour. Paralytic Shellfish Toxins have been detected in shellfish from Raglan at levels above the safe limit set by MPI.

See a map of the warning

Mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, catseyes, kina (sea urchin) and all other bivalve shellfish should not be eaten.

Note that cooking shellfish does not remove the toxin.

Pāua, crab and crayfish may still be eaten if the gut has been completely removed prior to cooking, as toxins accumulate in the gut. If the gut is not removed, its contents could contaminate the meat during the cooking process.

Symptoms typically appear between 10 minutes and 3 hours after ingestion and may include:

• numbness and a tingling (prickly feeling) around the mouth, face, and extremities (hands and feet)
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• paralysis and respiratory failure and in severe cases, death.

If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued, phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately. You are also advised to contact your nearest public health unit and keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.

Monitoring of toxin levels will continue and any changes will be communicated accordingly. Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets, or exported – is subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programmes by MPI to ensure they are safe to eat.

Find out more

See signage in the affected area.

Shellfish biotoxin alerts

Subscribe to shellfish biotoxins to receive email alerts

Collecting shellfish and keeping them safe [PDF, 1.4 MB]

Causes and symptoms of toxic shellfish poisoning

About toxic algal blooms

Food safety for seafood gatherers booklet [PDF, 688 KB]

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Biosecurity New Zealand has been working closely with cruise lines to ensure their vessels arrive with clean hulls as the busy summer season approaches.

The summer cruise season runs from October to April. Biosecurity New Zealand expects to see 57 cruise vessels from 20 major lines make journeys to New Zealand, an increase of nearly 30% from the 2022/23 season. It is preparing for 1,194 port calls, compared with 988 during the last season.

“There has been a lot of effort in recent months to alert cruise lines about their biosecurity requirements, including ensuring they comply with New Zealand’s biofouling rules,” says Paul Hallett, environmental health manager, Biosecurity New Zealand.

“Biofouling continues to be a major biosecurity threat. We know that almost 90% of the exotic marine species already in New Zealand likely arrived here as marine growth on the submerged surfaces of international vessels.”

Last season, Biosecurity New Zealand issued notices of direction to 11 vessels for failing biofouling assessments. In some cases, affected cruise ships were unable to visit environmentally sensitive areas like Fiordland.

“The season was challenging for some vessel operators. In many cases, cruise vessels had been sitting idle for many months during the pandemic. Long layups can contribute to marine growth and reduce the effectiveness of antifouling coatings,” Mr Hallett says.

“Despite the challenges, we commend the cruise industry for its compliance efforts. The majority of cruise ships visiting New Zealand met last season’s biofouling regulations. Those that didn’t, worked with us to address failings, and most were able to complete their full itineraries.”

He says there is high awareness about New Zealand’s biofouling rules among cruise lines this season and a keenness to comply.   

“We know some vessels have undergone dry-dock cleaning in the lead-up to the season. Others have discussed more frequent cleaning as part of their management plans. And we had discussions about new scanning technology for underwater hull inspections.”

Cruise lines must demonstrate they meet a range of biosecurity requirements to gain approval to voyage to New Zealand.

“We’ve been asking cruise lines to submit biofouling documentation and craft risk management plans as early as possible. This has allowed us to provide early notification of any cleaning requirements, helping avoid voyage delays. We appreciate that cleaning the hull of a cruise ship is a difficult and complex task often dictated by the weather.”

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

A Raglan commercial fisher has today been fined $14,000 in the Hamilton District Court for illegally trawling in a restricted area.

Warrick Lloyd Harris (52) is an owner operator and sole skipper of the fishing vessel Joanne. He was sentenced on one representative charge under Fisheries (Auckland and Kermadec area commercial fishing) Regulations 1986, for carrying out the trawls, following a successful prosecution by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

“Mr Harris fished in an area off the west coast of the North Island which was closed to trawling to protect endangered Māui dolphins,” says MPI regional manager, investigations north, Aleshea Allen.

“Those restrictions are in place for a very good reason. Most commercial fishers do the right thing, but our message to those who want to break the rules is clear – we will pursue this offending and put it before the courts.

Fisheries New Zealand digitally monitors all commercial inshore and deep-sea vessels through a digital tracking and reporting system which provides reliable evidence if fishers are trawling in prohibited areas.

“We expect commercial fishers to know where they’re legally able to fish and have the right equipment on board their vessels to alert them if they’ve strayed into protected areas.

“Mr Harris has been a commercial fisher for around 25 years and has fished out of Raglan for more than 20 years – he should have known better.”

Fisheries analysts uncovered the offending in 2021 by analysing the digital monitoring data. Fishery officers then inspected his fishing records and opened an investigation.

“Māui dolphins are only found in New Zealand waters, they are a taonga and must be protected. We would advise any commercial fishers operating close to these prohibited areas that the risk to these mammals and your reputation is not worth it,” she says.

On board cameras are being rolled out across the inshore commercial fleet and have been prioritised on boats posing a higher risk to protected species.

Mr Harris’s fishing vessel Joanne, was forfeited to the Crown.

MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24)

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety is advising people not to consume a seaweed tonic being sold in a glass bottle labelled ‘NZ Focuidan’ or an unlabelled bottle.

“The tonic presents a concerning food safety risk because it has not been through the required checks and balances to make sure it is safe to consume,” says New Zealand Food Safety’s deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

“Because this product has not been registered under the Food Act, consumers cannot be certain that risks have been properly identified and managed.

“Seaweed can contain chemical hazards such as inorganic arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury.

“NZ Focuidan is made with seaweed, which can be high in iodine. Without proper controls, treatments and dosage information, iodine can be dangerous, particularly to those with thyroid conditions.

“The product also makes concerning prohibited therapeutic claims and consumers should not be led by these claims,” Mr Arbuckle says.

“If you have bought this product – which is either labelled ‘NZ Focuidan’ or has limited or no identifying labelling or branding – do not consume it and throw it out.”

“Available evidence suggests the seaweed tonic has been available for sale through informal sellers and local markets.”

New Zealand Food Safety is working to ensure this product is removed from sale.

More information about the product

If you have any concerns about these products, call MPI’s consumer helpline on 0800 00 83 33.

There have been no reports of associated illness to date.

If you have consumed this product and have any health concerns, seek medical advice. Contact your health professional, call healthline on 0800 61 11 16 or call the National Poisons Centre on 0800 76 47 66.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

About this consultation

The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are jointly running this consultation.

On this page, we have some background information and a summary of potential amendments to the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL).

Further details, consultation documents, and information about how to make a submission are on MfE’s website. This consultation is open for submissions between 5 September and 31 October 2023.

Managing highly productive land – Ministry for the Environment

Background to this consultation

The NPS-HPL came into force in October 2022.

The objective of the NPS-HPL is to protect highly productive land so it can be used for land-based primary production. To do this, the NPS-HPL restricts inappropriate use, development, or subdivision of highly productive land.

Highly productive land provides significant economic and employment benefits to communities and underpins the value of Aotearoa New Zealand’s primary sector.

National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land 2022

Summary of potential amendments to the NPS-HPL

Feedback is being sought on potential amendments to the NPS-HPL.

Since the policy was introduced, 2 issues have been raised about its restrictions on the use and development of highly productive land for activities that don’t rely on soil.

Only these 2 issues are being consulted on. They are the:

• lack of a clear consent pathway for the construction of new specified infrastructure on highly productive land in clause 3.9(2)(j)(i). Specified infrastructure can include developments such as solar farms and infrastructure needed at pace, for example to support the recovery after Cyclone Gabrielle.
• absence of a clear consent pathway for developing and relocating intensive indoor primary production and greenhouses on highly productive land.

Making your submission

Submissions must be received by the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) by 11.59pm on 31 October 2023.

Information about how to make a submission is on MfE’s website.

Managing highly productive land – Ministry for the Environment

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Have your say

New Zealand Food Safety would like your feedback on proposed amendments to the Animal Products Notice: Production Supply and Processing.

These proposed amendments feature changes to chapters:

• C: Good Operating Practice (GOP)
• D: Dairy
• F: Red Meat
• H: Fish
• K: Honey
• M: Verification.

These include updates to clarify rules, changes to verification requirements for certain sectors, and updates to training requirements.

Consultation provides an opportunity for you to comment on the content of the new notice. Your submission will help us to assess whether these changes are fit for purpose.

Consultation documents

Proposed Animal Products Notice: Production Supply and Processing [PDF, 2.6 MB]

Summary of proposed changes

Discussion paper on proposed changes to the Animal Products Notice: Production Supply and Processing [PDF, 334 KB]

Current notice in force

Animal Products Notice: Production Supply and Processing [PDF, 1.9 MB]

Making your submission

Submissions close at 5pm on Friday, 29 September 2023.

To help make your submission, use the feedback form [DOCX, 64 KB]

Email your submission to animal.products@mpi.govt.nz

While we prefer email, you can post a written submission to:

New Zealand Food Safety
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140.

What to include in a written submission

• The name of the consultation document (Animal Products Notice: Production Supply and Processing).
• Your name and title.
• Your organisation’s name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation, and whether your submission represents the whole organisation or a section of it).
• Your contact details (such as phone number, address, and email).

After the consultation closes

Submissions will be analysed to consider any changes needed to the notice. A summary of submissions will be published on this page.