Category: New Zealand Government – Business

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Farms linked to Mainland Poultry’s Hillgrove site, which tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H7N6) on 1 December 2024, have been confirmed as free of the virus after testing on thousands of samples at the end of the full incubation period for the disease, says the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). 

And there are no signs of the disease anywhere else, providing confidence that HPAI has been restricted to one property, MPI’s chief veterinary officer Mary van Andel says.

“On Sunday, we took about 4,300 samples from 36 flocks across 5 farms linked to Mainland’s Hillgrove layer property, where HPAI H7N6 was confirmed earlier this month, to coincide with the end of the full incubation period for the virus and none returned positive results.

“It is a significant number of tests and gives us confidence that this virus has been contained to just the one property and that we are on track to stamp out this disease.”

Dr van Andel says the Hillgrove site remains under a strict biosecurity lockdown as it undergoes cleaning and decontamination.

“The response effort will continue into the New Year with work to clean and decontaminate the Hillgrove site taking place over a number of weeks. It needs to be done carefully to ensure all traces of the virus have been removed.

“We will work with Mainland Poultry regarding an appropriate stand-down period for the property once decontamination is complete. MPI is working closely with the affected farmer on the matter of compensation.”

Dr van Andel says the clear incubation period testing will help ongoing discussions with trading partners regarding New Zealand poultry exports and highlights the benefit of responding quickly to the bird flu find alongside industry.

“I want to acknowledge Mainland Poultry for working closely with us to stamp this out.

“MPI has had more than 200 people working on this response and the quick work to depopulate the approximately 200,000 chickens at Hillgrove, was the right decision.

“In total we’ve carried out more than 5,600 tests on samples and bird flu has not been found anywhere other than Hillgrove.

“We’re in close contact with relevant trade partners and to date, we’ve reached agreement with Australia to continue the export of some poultry products, including chicken meat, dried pet food, and dog rolls that meet avian influenza heat treatment requirements, worth more than $50 million.

“It’s important to note that while there are common elements across markets, solutions are agreed with each country,” says Dr van Andel.

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Find out more about the strain of bird flu (H7N6) in Otago

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Fishery officers will be inspecting catch bags and bins all weekend as the blue cod season opens throughout the Marlborough region.

The daily limit per person is 2, with a minimum size of 33cm.

Fisheries New Zealand district manager, Stuart Moore says expect to see a strong visual presence of fishery officers throughout the region.

“Blue cod is a popular fish to catch by locals and visitors. We’ll be at the boat ramps and on the water, checking people’s catch. Following the rules will help keep blue cod sustainable into the future so that everyone can have the chance to put fresh kaimoana on the dinner table. Our advice is to fish for a feed because you don’t want to catch a fine.

When catching blue cod, it’s important to remember that along with the daily limit, they must be landed whole or gutted, unless the fish is eaten immediately aboard a boat. You cannot fillet blue cod and then claim it was the legal size.

Mr Moore says people planning to take blue cod need to understand another important rule.

“If you’re in the area and perhaps staying at a Bach – the most you can have in possession is 2 daily limits and if you intend to take any of that fish home with you – the same landed whole or gutted rule applies and there are no exceptions,” says Stuart Moore.

Download the free NZ Fishing Rule mobile app for all the rules in your area. Once downloaded, it’ll work anywhere, including in areas where you cannot get mobile coverage.

NZ Fishing Rules app

People can also protect our fisheries by reporting any suspicious fishing to 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24) or poacher@mpi.govt.nz

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

Background to this Request for Information

The Government wants to explore partnership opportunities to afforest (plant native or exotic trees) or promote native forest regeneration on Crown-owned land (excluding National Parks) that has low farming value and low conservation value.

This will:

• contribute to climate change targets
• spur economic growth through a thriving forestry and wood processing sector
• improve native biodiversity and water quality.

Media release – 5 December 2024

Government to partner with private sector to plant trees on low-value Crown land – Beehive

Agencies involved 

• Ministry for Primary Industries.
• Land Information New Zealand.
• Department of Conservation.
• Ministry for the Environment.

Have your say

We are opening this Request for Information (RFI) to gauge interest in the proposal and understand what would make afforesting Crown-owned land an attractive and viable opportunity.

We would like to hear your views on:

• opportunities for afforestation
• conditions and contractual arrangements that would enable you to undertake afforestation
• barriers to afforestation and what government could do to help overcome these.

Further details are in the RFI documents. We must get your feedback by 5pm on 28 February 2025.

Request for Information documents

Overview: Partnering to plant trees on Crown-owned land [PDF, 609 KB]

Questions and answers about partnering to plant trees on Crown-owned land [PDF, 614 KB]

Making a submission

Complete our submission template and email it to RFI@mpi.gotv.nz

We must get your feedback by 5pm on 28 February 2025.

Submission template [DOCX, 119 KB]

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

Primary Sector Policy
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140.

Next steps after submissions close

We’ll advise interested parties of next steps in 2025.

We intend to progress with any partnership opportunities as soon as practicable. Your responses will help shape the Government’s decisions on possible opportunities and decide next steps as well as informing the commercial strategy moving forwards.

Where partnerships can be progressed under current law they will be taken forward as soon as practicable. In these circumstances, we anticipate that a second round of commercial negotiations on a site-by-site basis with interested parties may take place in 2025.

Where partners are looking for the Government to make changes to existing policy to support partnerships – such as changes to law – this will be subject to further advice from officials and decision-making by Cabinet in 2025. Any proposed changes to legislation would likely be advanced though usual parliamentary processes, including public consultation.

Responses are public information

Your response will be used by the Ministry for Primary Industries, Land Information New Zealand, Department of Conservation, and the Ministry for the Environment for their internal purposes and in advising ministers.

Note that all, part, or a summary of your response to the request for information may be published on this website.

People can also ask for copies of responses under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the response available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your response or contact us, and we will take this into account when deciding whether to release the information. Reasons may include that your response discloses information that would unreasonably prejudice your commercial position or personal information.  Any decision we make to withhold information can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

All information provided will be held by the relevant Government agency in accordance with the Privacy Act.

Disclaimer

This process is not in any way binding, nor is it:

• a consideration of disposal of the land for the purpose of Part 9 of the Ngai Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998 or any other Claims Settlement Act, or
• for lessees, an application under the Land Act 1948 or the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998, or
• an invitation, tender, or other action under section 17ZG(2)(a) Conservation Act 1987 to make an application for a concession. Your response will not be treated as an application for a concession. 

Participating in this process does not create a contract or any other legal relationship between you and the Crown. There is no obligation on the Crown to accept or advance your response.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety is sharing some simple food safety tips for Kiwis to follow as they enjoy good food with whānau and friends over summer.

“We know that half of the foodborne illnesses in New Zealand originate in the home. Following good food safety practices is an important way to keep friends and family from getting sick,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

“Most of this can be avoided by taking some simple steps to keep safe, including washing your hands, keeping your prep space clean, taking extra care with handling raw chicken, cooking food thoroughly and keeping it cool if you’re on the go.”

Campylobacter is the most reported cause of foodborne illness in New Zealand with around 6,000 reported cases annually. Rates of illness from Campylobacter can spike over summer, usually associated with preparing and consuming poultry at home.

The great news is that New Zealand’s rates of illness from Campylobacter have reduced significantly since 2006 due to sustained efforts by the poultry industry, the major retailers and better awareness by consumers.

“It’s especially important that food safety is top of mind when you’re cooking for your frail older, pregnant, very young and immune-compromised whānau, as the consequences for them from getting sick from food can be devastating.

“Remember food safety is the key ingredient when preparing food for the holidays, so here are some tips for a safe summer.”

Hot tips for summer food safety success

1. Handwashing is number one

Washing your hands is the first line of defence and one of the best ways to prevent harmful bacteria spreading to your food. 

New Zealand Food Safety’s 2024 Consumer Insights Survey shows that most consumers wash their hands when preparing food, but there is room for improvement, and it is a timely reminder to do this when out and about too. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, handwashing can prevent about 30% of gastrointestinal-related sicknesses, and about 20% of respiratory infections (for example, colds). For immune-compromised people, this reduction in gastrointestinal-related illness is up to 58%.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them well before handing food. You could use hand sanitiser if you don’t have access to water.

Always wash your hands after handling raw meat and poultry (like chicken and eggs), going to the toilet, or changing nappies, touching pets or animals, gardening, or any other activity that makes your hands unclean.

2. Handle raw chicken safely

Did you know, about half of New Zealand consumers are still washing their chicken before cooking? This can spread bacteria around the kitchen and increases risk of contamination. Instead, we recommend that you pat chicken dry with a paper towel and put the paper towel straight in your rubbish bin.  

Always wash your hands with soap and water (preferably warm) after handling raw chicken. Again, you could use hand sanitiser if you don’t have access to water.

Keep your raw chicken separate from ready-to-eat and fresh foods, using separate chopping boards, plates, and utensils to prepare raw chicken.

Always thoroughly wash preparation surfaces, dishes, and utensils with hot soapy water, then rinse and dry them before using them for other foods.

Use a different plate for raw and cooked chicken.

Don’t let raw chicken or its juices touch ready-to-eat foods, and make sure you cook your chicken thoroughly until juices run clear.

3. Barbeque like a pro

Use separate utensils, chopping boards and plates for raw and cooked meat, and barbecue meat until it is more than 75°C all the way through and thoroughly cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, turn chicken, pork, and sausages often so they cook evenly, and juices run clear. Mince should be thoroughly cooked right through (until firm and browned) to kill harmful bacteria that could be introduced through processing and/or preparation.

Make sure your barbecue and cooking tools have been cleaned with soap and water before using. Marinate meat in a covered container in the fridge and cook the marinade before pouring over cooked meat.

Keep raw meat and cooked food or ready-to-eat foods (like salads) separate.

4. On the go with food? Chill it

With summer here it’s a good idea to get picnic and travel-ready. Freeze ice packs or bottles of water to ensure you’re sorted to pack a chilly bag or bin.

Store foods like salads, meats, and cheeses in a chilly bin with ice packs until needed. Cover and chill your food until you cook it – and chill any leftovers as soon as possible too. 

Leftovers make for great picnic and camping fare. Just make sure you eat them preferably within 2 days – when in doubt, chuck them out.

If you have long travel times after food shopping or won’t be going home straight away, have a chilly bag or bin with ice packs in your car to transport chilled or frozen foods, and transfer them to the fridge or freezer as soon as you get home.

Find out more about how to stay food safe at home this summer on our website:

Safe food preparation, cooking, and storage at home

For 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

If you’re fishing or planning to drop a line in the ocean during the festive season, the best gift you can give yourself is the free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app.

Many New Zealanders live near the coast, and the marine environment is part of our national identity. Thousands of Kiwis go fishing every year – for sport, enjoyment, and to get food for their whānau and families.

“The app has everything you need to know – daily bag limits, minimum legal sizes, any closures or restrictions, and even biotoxin alerts,” says Fisheries New Zealand director of fisheries compliance, Steve Ham.

The NZ Fishing Rules app can be downloaded from wherever you get your apps.

NZ Fishing Rules app

“Fishery officers and honorary fishery officers will be patrolling the coasts, boat ramps, and at sea throughout the summer period to protect our shared fisheries and ensure they’re sustainable into the future.

“As well as catch and size limits, the app displays rules for the kind of gear you’re allowed to use. These rules vary by species and area and do change from time to time, so it’s important to stay up to date.

“Having the app on your phone gives you the peace of mind of having the right information at your fingertips. Once downloaded, the fishing app will also work in areas where you don’t have cell phone coverage. Fishers can also text free to 9889 with the name of the fish species and receive a text back with size limits and daily catch limits,” Steve Ham says.

Along with the fishing rules app, recreational fishers are encouraged to ask their local fishery officer or pop into their local office.

“They’re there to help you. We want your fishing experience to be something to remember for all the right reasons, not because you hooked a fine. By following the rules you’ll also be doing your part in keeping our shared fisheries sustainable so that future generations can also enjoy catching a feed of kaimoana.”

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

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

More officers, detector dogs, and airport hosts, along with an enhanced public awareness campaign, will bolster biosecurity protections for New Zealand this summer.

“We have strengthened our frontline to ensure biosecurity threats such as foot-and-mouth disease and brown marmorated stink bug do not cross the border and harm the country’s $54 billion primary sector,” says Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner Mike Inglis.

Biosecurity New Zealand has recruited 72 frontline officers this year, including 24 recent graduates who will be based at Auckland Airport over the summer. Detector dog handlers on duty this summer will increase nationwide from 30 to 39.

“The additional detector dog team capacity means we can make greater use of airport express lanes to speed up passenger flows,” says Mr Inglis.

“Opening our express lanes to more travellers, combined with changes to how we assess passengers for biosecurity risk, will result in more efficient processing.

“Our biosecurity controls are necessary to protect New Zealand. At the same time, we want to build on processing improvements over the past year that have resulted in nearly a 50% reduction in the time it takes passengers to get through biosecurity at Auckland Airport.”

Mr Inglis says the quickest way to pass through biosecurity screening is to avoid bringing food or other items that could pose a biosecurity risk.

He says travellers who complete a digital declaration will increasingly experience faster border processing. The New Zealand Traveller Declaration can be completed 24 hours before departing for New Zealand.

This summer will also see 44 part-time biosecurity hosts at New Zealand’s 4 main international airports.

“The move follows successful trials last summer, using 19 hosts, to welcome air passengers on arrival, help with queue management, and provide friendly biosecurity assistance,” he says.

An enhanced public awareness campaign aimed at travellers to New Zealand will start in mid-December.

Like previous years, the campaign will encourage travellers to declare or dispose of potentially harmful items upon arrival and prompt them to think about the things they are bringing before they arrive.

“The more informed travellers are about our biosecurity rules before they visit New Zealand, the less likely they are to bring risk items in.

“Those who don’t declare face an infringement fee of $400 or even prosecution.”

Mr Inglis expects to see a small increase in the volume of international passenger arrivals this summer.

“We understand there is a 1.8% rise in available seating to around 3.95 million seats between November and March,” he says.

Peak international airport arrivals are expected between December and January.

He says arrival volumes are approaching pre-Covid levels, with increases every month.

“Nationwide, we screened 562,980 passengers in October, up from 544,370 in the same month last year. Officers also seized 8,854 risk items and issued 831 infringement notices to passengers who failed to declare items in October.”

He says the most common seizures continue to be fresh produce, dirty camping equipment, soiled boots, and meat products. Recent unusual finds include undeclared eggs filled with silicon and an ornately carved cow skull from Indonesia.

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Fishery officers this week (9 December 2024) caught a group of people who had taken 460 pāua from a closed area on the south coast of Kaikoura.

“The recreational pāua fishery is closed for the season, so taking pāua is prohibited. Our fishery officers responded to a call on our poacher phone line.

“To make matters worse, the 3 divers refused to allow us to inspect their catch. One of the 3 had a knife on his belt, placed his hand on it and said they were leaving with the pāua.

“Our fishery officers work hard to protect our shared fisheries and will not be intimidated by this sort of behaviour,” says Fisheries New Zealand district manager Marlborough and Canterbury, Stuart Moore.

“With the assistance of New Zealand Police, we stopped the 3 people the following day in the Amberley area and found 460 pāua – many undersize, in their vehicles. Their vehicles, dive gear, and all pāua were seized, and serious charges are likely under the Fisheries Act.

“The community has zero tolerance for poaching and neither do we. We’re grateful to our colleagues at police for their back up and support. The rules are there for a reason and when we find evidence of them being broken – we take action,” says Stuart Moore.

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

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.