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Source: Worksafe New Zealand
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke Van Velden has announced three new appointments to the Board of WorkSafe New Zealand.
Elena Trout, Kevin Jenkins and Paul Connell have been appointed for a term of three years and fill vacant positions.
Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
Fisheries New Zealand is making data about accidental fisheries bycatch more accessible to keep pace with changes to the way data is collected, says Fisheries New Zealand director of fisheries science Simon Lawrence.
“Keeping track of the accidental capture of non-target species is an important part of making sure fisheries are sustainable,” says Simon Lawrence.
“The introduction of cameras across more vessels, and the information gathered as a result, has provided a good opportunity to consider the way accidental capture information is presented that is easier to find and more accessible.
“We’ve taken information currently provided at different times and places and presented it in a clearer and quarterly format so that people can see it in context.”
Simon Lawrence says data about accidental captures is collected from commercial fishers and verified by the Fisheries New Zealand observers and cameras on board fishing vessels, with scientific modelling applied to help build a more fulsome picture of what is happening on the water.
“Fisheries New Zealand and the Department of Conservation respond in near-real time to captures of protected species. Depending on the situation this could range from supporting fishers to make small changes to reduce risk through to formal fishing restrictions and closures.
“Data about captures is also used by people with a stake in our fisheries, including commercial fishers, iwi, Environmental NGOs, researchers, and fisheries scientists. In addition, we know a lot of members of the public care about bycatch and will benefit from the information refresh.”
Fisheries New Zealand is committed to ensuring sustainability of fisheries and preventing bycatch.
“One example is new rules coming into effect in October 2024 that will significantly reduce the risk to seabirds, including critically threatened albatrosses being captured in the surface longline fishery.
“These will require all commercial fishers using surface longline fishing methods to either use special hook shielding devices or implement all 3 seabird mitigations at the same time. These mitigations include: using bird scaring devices called ‘tori lines’, as well as using weighted lines to sink hooks faster and setting gear at night.”
Over the latest quarter, from January 1 to March 31, there were 37,151 reported fishing events and 81,811 tonnes of fish landed (a fishing event is described as each time fishing gear is set and retrieved).
More information from the latest quarter includes data on seabird and dolphin captures and is on our website.
Seabirds and protected marine species caught by commercial fishers
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
An in-depth scientific report has found a mix of complex climate factors are likely causing Milky White Flesh Syndrome, says Fisheries New Zealand.
Fisheries New Zealand’s director science & information, Simon Lawrence, says snapper with the condition appear to be skinny and have mushy, white flesh rather than their usual translucent, firm flesh, and are malnourished.
“Early and ongoing tests ruled out exotic disease and food safety issues, meaning that fish with the syndrome are still safe for people to eat if they choose to,” says Simon Lawrence.
“The evidence suggests a complex interplay between factors, including extended La Niña weather patterns and warmer waters causing lower production of the phytoplankton and zooplankton that provide important food sources at the bottom of the food chain.
“This is a complex issue, and is more likely to be due to the effect of recent weather patterns and natural changes in fish biology throughout the seasons. Prevalence of the syndrome appears to be declining which supports these theories.
“Warmer ocean temperatures may also be affecting snapper metabolism, meaning they need to use more energy and require more food.”
Mr Lawrence says the report found that a lack of food was the likely cause of the syndrome, but there was no evidence to suggest that fishing was the cause of that.
“Overall, we’ve been seeing more snapper in the Hauraki Gulf for some time. The fishery is abundant, with plenty of younger fish entering the stock, all competing for food.
“Commercial fishing does not affect the main food sources of snapper.
“They are opportunistic feeders and are unfussy about what they will eat.”
Mr Lawrence says the areas in the Gulf where bottom trawling was permitted did not correlate with the areas where the syndrome was most prevalent.
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) undertook research on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand and collected a range of data, including information from commercial and recreational fishers about affected snapper and where it had been caught.
The syndrome has been most prevalent throughout the inner Hauraki Gulf, near Auckland, and around Doubtless Bay near Northland.
Researchers considered data gathered from fishers together with environmental information, such as sea surface temperature, to determine if any changes had occurred in the period before fish with the syndrome were seen.
“We know that individual growth rates of all snapper around New Zealand have declined over the last 15 years as snapper abundance has increased, which could be explained by the mix of factors at play.”
Fisheries New Zealand has received recent reports about snapper with a few similar symptoms on the North Island’s west coast. Some initial tests have been undertaken and Fisheries New Zealand continues to investigate, but there are no biosecurity concerns.
“The report underlines this complexity and its insights will be used in future fisheries assessments,” Mr Lawrence said.
Distribution and potential causes of milky fleshed snapper in SNA 1 – Report [PDF, 5.1 MB]
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
Source: Worksafe New Zealand
WorkSafe New Zealand Board Chair Jennifer Kerr has announced the appointment of Sharon Thompson as WorkSafe’s new Chief Executive.
“Sharon has extensive public and private sector experience leading business transformation programmes and building highly engaged teams to overcome challenges and deliver results,” says Jennifer Kerr. “Sharon is well placed to drive the delivery of WorkSafe’s new strategy and operating plan, which sets out how we will undertake our role as Aotearoa New Zealand’s primary work health and safety regulator.”
Sharon will join WorkSafe from her current role as Executive Director, Transformation and Operational Delivery, at the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) where she leads the operations and capability functions. Previously, Sharon was at Inland Revenue, where she led a nation-wide customer facing and operations team through a major transformation as Deputy Commissioner, Customer and Compliance Services.
“It’s an honour to have been appointed as WorkSafe’s Chief Executive,” says Sharon Thompson. “I look forward to the privilege of working with the WorkSafe team, and with government and sector partners, businesses and workers, iwi, unions, and everyone who can help influence better health and safety at work in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Jennifer Kerr says interim Chief Executive Steve Haszard has completed the priority tasks he was brought in by the Board to undertake. “I’m grateful for Steve’s clear and decisive leadership during a challenging time. WorkSafe now has improved financial discipline and a new strategy with a targeted focus on serious risk and harm. Under Sharon’s leadership, WorkSafe will continue to influence businesses and workers to better manage those risks, reduce harm and deliver better health and safety outcomes for all.
Steve’s last day will be Friday 12 July, and Sharon’s start date will be confirmed shortly. WorkSafe’s Deputy Chief Executive Operations Kane Patena will be Acting Chief Executive in the interim.
For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively, you can:
Phone: 021 823 007 or
Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz
Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is investing in the development of an integrated pest management approach to safeguard New Zealand’s maize and sweetcorn industries against fall armyworm.
“We’re collaborating with the Foundation for Arable Research, Process Vegetables NZ, Vegetables NZ Inc, and growers on management and mitigation strategies to help reduce production losses and enhance resilience to this invasive pest,” says Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general Stuart Anderson.
“Together we’ll develop some really good tools for growers, including establishing surveillance networks on a national scale.”
Fall armyworm is believed to have blown over to New Zealand from Australia after a cyclone in early 2022. After a year of battling the pest, MPI and industry partners agreed to close the response and shift the focus to long-term management of the pest by industry. Fall armyworm has the potential to impact 72,490 hectares of maize, with an estimated value of more than $480 million and 3,320 hectares of sweetcorn production, with an export value of $36.9 million.
“We don’t know what the full impact of the fall armyworm incursion will be in the future as it depends largely on our winter temperatures and suitable host plants in the absence of maize and sweetcorn,” says Ashley Mills, biosecurity officer, Foundation for Arable Research (FAR).
“For instance, in areas with warmer winter temperatures such as Northland, the insect has the capacity to overwinter and survive all year round. With warming temperatures, we might expect the problem to grow year on year.
“Part of our research will be to identify gaps of knowledge around the winter growing season and dispersal of fall armyworm.
“We’ll produce models and come up with early warning tools for agronomists and growers, so they understand when they need to employ their most intensive management strategies.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and approaches may vary according to factors such as region, climate or soil type. In most cases, encouraging beneficial insects will work, but in more problematic regions or localities, insecticides might be needed, and the timing of application will be important.
“Over the next 3 years we’ll focus on understanding fall armyworm phenology and distribution, developing New Zealand specific economic thresholds and finding long-term solutions that reduce reliance on agrichemicals, and preserve soil health, water quality and biodiversity.”
FAR and Vegetables NZ Inc will host information and tools for fall armyworm management on their websites. This will include modelling, distribution maps, guidelines, and training videos. FAR will also host workshops over winter, tailored to each region.
Stuart Anderson says engagement with growers will be an essential part of the programme.
“Ultimately, it’s the growers that will need to implement the strategies and use the tools. This project aims to make these easily available for everyone to use.”
MPI will contribute up to $300,000 over 3 years to the $630,000 project through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund.
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
Fisheries New Zealand is seeking feedback on proposed measures to mitigate risks to seabirds from data transmission cables on fishing trawlers.
This feedback will play a significant part in the decision to allow the use of data transmission cables or not.
“Data transmission cables attached to trawl nets provide information to fishers in real-time about what’s happening under the water, so they can fish more efficiently and reduce their environmental footprint,” says Fisheries New Zealand director fisheries management, Emma Taylor.
The use of data transmission cables on trawl vessels was banned in 1992 because of risks posed to seabirds.
“Birds were often attracted to fish waste being continually discarded from vessels, and while attempting to feed, birds would collide with deployed cables from the stern of vessels.
“In the 3 decades since the ban on these cables we have developed a better understanding about how to manage the risks they pose to seabirds. This includes practices to manage fish waste which attracts seabirds, using devices like tori lines to scare birds away, or bird bafflers that put a barrier between foraging birds and the vessel.”
The proposals to strengthen seabird protection from data transmission cables include:
The consultation also seeks feedback on amendments to reporting and monitoring requirements should the use of data transmission cables be allowed.
In 2022, Fisheries New Zealand consulted on lifting the ban on the use of data transmission cables.
Find out more about the 2022 proposals
Feedback from this consultation included that mitigation measures to protect seabirds should be reviewed before a decision on allowing data transmission cables is made.
“If data cables can be introduced with appropriate protections against seabird bycatch in place, the data gathered has the potential to support innovation and new technology to make fishing more efficient and reduce bycatch and harm to protected species.
“The consultation is open now, and we encourage everyone with an interest in the use of data transmission cables and seabird protection to have their say,” says Emma Taylor.
The consultation will run until 5pm on 9 August 2024.
More information, including how to make a submission
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
From 21 June to 20 August 2024, we invite comments on the proposed changes to the importation of nursery stock import health standard (155.02.06). The proposed changes are to manage the risks of viruses on Hoya plants for planting, specifically:
Full details of the proposed changes are in the consultation documents.
Draft Nursery Stock IHS [PDF, 7.4 MB]
Risk management proposal – Hoya amendments [PDF, 489 KB]
Email your feedback by 5pm on 20 August 2024 to plantImports@mpi.govt.nz
Make sure you include in your submission:
While we prefer email, you can send your submission by post to:
Plant Germplasm Imports, Animal and Plant Health Directorate
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.
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
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: Worksafe New Zealand
A motorcyclist is lucky to be alive after getting caught in bungy ropes strung across a public road on the West Coast, in what a Judge has called “an extremely obvious hazard”.
The incident occurred in the Maruia Valley in March 2021, where sharemilkers had put the ropes across the 100kph road to relocate 800 cows.
A lack of signage meant the motorcyclist’s first warning of what was going on was when he saw the ropes. At that stage it was too late to be able to stop safely. When he struck the ropes it pulled tight, and he came off his bike, slid along the road and hit a fence post.
The victim was hospitalised with fractures to his right rib and a laceration of his right kidney.
“The injuries were incredibly serious and the rider is lucky to be alive. The businesses involved did not notify WorkSafe of the incident, and left the victim himself to do so weeks later,” says WorkSafe’s national investigations manager, Casey Broad.
The sharemilkers, Te Koru Wai Limited, were charged by WorkSafe for health and safety failures. So too was the farm owner, Dairy Holdings Limited. Both have now been sentenced.
WorkSafe’s investigation found the bungy ropes had been across the road for about three hours, and only two workers were present on the farm.
In sentencing, Judge Jane Farish concluded that “this was an extremely obvious hazard with a simple method of avoiding it” and that “the blocking of a public road should ring significant alarm bells”.
“In the direction the rider was travelling, there was no warning sign in place for the stock crossing. NZTA guidance requires farmers to install a temporary warning sign at an adequate distance ahead of the crossing, when more than 50 animals are being moved,” says Casey Broad.
“Stock crossings are commonplace in rural New Zealand, and the risks to motorists are well known. Having signage up and farm workers present while cattle are crossing is the safest way to go.”
“Working farms, like any other business, are responsible for ensuring work is safe. Our role is to influence businesses to meet these responsibilities and we hold them to account if they don’t,” says Casey Broad.
Read the code of practice for stock crossings | nzta.govt.nz [PDF, 576KB](external link)
For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively:
Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz
Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is investigating a Southland farm over poor grazing practices after some dairy cows were found stuck in mud.
Following a complaint, MPI animal welfare officers recently visited the farm in Riverton, near Invercargill, and found some 2,000 cattle on a property with substantial mud and insufficient water being supplied to the cattle, says MPI director of compliance and response, Glen Burrell.
“The welfare of the animals is always our number one priority. Unfortunately, in this instance, 5 dairy heifers had to be euthanised by animal welfare Inspectors on advice from private veterinarians. Two other heifers were euthanised by the farm manager.”
The farmer was directed under the Animal Welfare Act to relocate cattle and was provided further direction on how to reduce the impact of mud on cattle. A close veterinarian assessment of all cattle is being carried out.
“We’d remind all farmers that a well-planned winter grazing system supports good animal health and welfare. It ensures animals have sufficient and appropriate feed, access to plenty of clean water, and the ability to move freely to and from their feed and water.
“While most farmers work hard to do the right thing and have improved their winter grazing practices over recent years, this is an important reminder to plan ahead,” says Mr Burrell.
The investigation of the Riverton farm is ongoing and MPI will consider further action in due course.
MPI animal welfare Inspectors work closely with Environment Southland on monitoring winter grazing – this includes joining aerial surveillance flights of farmland throughout the region.
“Where we find evidence that an animal is suffering or is likely to suffer, we will take action. The welfare of the animal will always be our priority, so we look for practical measures to correct the issue.
“At the low end of the scale it could be the issuing of a directive to move stock or provide access to stand off areas away from the feeding area. For more serious issues we might bring in vets to make an independent assessment, require the farmer to bring in extra feed, and in the most serious cases taking a prosecution,” Mr Burrell says.
Animal welfare is everyone’s responsibility and MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 00 83 33.
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
An Auckland liquor importer and distributor have been fined $244,000 for attempting to sell thousands of bottles of illegal liquor and avoiding the rules in place to protect consumers.
Importer Golden Grand Trading Limited and distributor Mayajaal Holdings Limited were sentenced in the Auckland District Court in April following a successful prosecution by New Zealand Food Safety. Golden Grand Trading pleaded guilty to 3 charges under the Food Act 2014, including being an unregistered importer, and Mayajaal Holdings pleaded guilty to one charge under the Food Act.
The Judge’s reserved decision has been released. In the decision by Judge RJ Collins, Golden Grand Trading Limited was fined $142,000 and Mayajaal Holdings Limited was fined $102,000. Both companies were ordered to share costs of $36,000 for disposal of the alcohol.
The companies were investigated after allegations they were supplying illegal liquor to retailers between 2016 and 2019.
The offending included both companies recklessly possessing for sale or selling non-compliant alcohol involving some 5,534 bottles of imported liquor that had either no lot codes or were stickered with a lot code that was not genuine. The liquor had an estimated retail value of $292,526. All liquor was seized by compliance investigators from their distribution warehouse. Another 30 bottles were recalled, 7 were seized from a liquor store and 2 other bottles from an online purchase were also seized.
New Zealand Food Safety deputy-director general, Vincent Arbuckle said lot codes are unique and laser-etched into the glass of the bottle or printed on the label. They ensure traceability in the event of a product recall and assure consumers that the product contents are genuine and have not been changed in any way.
“Label integrity matters and when businesses try to get around the rules, they are at best deceiving consumers, and at worst putting them at risk.
“In this case, a sample of the liquor was tested and showed that the product was genuine, but that doesn’t excuse the offending. Consumers deserve to know that the product they are consuming is safe and suitable and the lot numbers help provide that assurance.
“Also, if a recall was required, the lack of a lot code would make it difficult for us to trace affected product.
“We take this type of offending seriously and will take legal action to ensure businesses do the right thing by consumers.”
He says the companies tried to avoid being compliant with the rules to save money.
“Our investigators found the importers bought thousands of bottles of liquor with lot codes removed and that it was cheaper – by nearly 7.5%,” Mr Arbuckle said.
An aggravating feature of the offending was that Golden Grand Trading had in 2012 received a warning about importing liquor with non-compliant labelling following an investigation. It resulted in a large amount of alcohol being destroyed. Letters were also sent to Mayajaal Holdings about requirements under the Food Act.
As the liquor was non-compliant, an application to the court will be made to have the liquor destroyed at a specialised waste disposal plant.
Today’s sentence is part of a wider Ministry for Primary Industries compliance investigation called ‘Operation Spirit’. In 2022, another Auckland liquor importing company was fined more than $150,000 for also importing thousands of bottles of liquor that had lot codes removed or tampered with.
“Our responsibility is to consumers and their safety. People should expect to feel confident that all imported food is subject to consistently high safety standards and is fit for purpose. When we find evidence of non-compliance, such as lot codes being tampered with, we will take action, including removing products from shelves, and in serious cases, placing the offending before the courts,” says Mr Arbuckle.
“In August 2023, New Zealand Food Safety strengthened the requirements for all New Zealand food importers. The changes clarify the role and responsibilities of food importers when they bring food into New Zealand, to ensure that the food is safe and suitable for Kiwi consumers.
“We encourage all registered food importers to check the Ministry for Primary Industries website to make sure they are following the updated rules.”
The updated requirements can be found in the Requirements for Registered Food Importers and Imported Food for Sale.
Food notice: Requirements for registered food importers and imported food for sale [PDF, 382 KB]
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.