HortNZ says changes must beef up Biosecurity
Date: 17 Feb 2012
Horticulture New Zealand wants to see stronger biosecurity protection come out of yesterday’s announcement of an investigation into how border protection agencies can work together.
“Our concern is that the focus of the review is on efficiency rather than effectiveness,” HortNZ president Andrew Fenton says
“The focus on efficiency gains could actually increase our risk of pest and disease incursions, and we can’t let that happen.”
HortNZ is always pleased to hear Primary Industries Minister David Carter say that biosecurity is a top priority for New Zealand.
“But we need to improve the performance of our biosecurity system and recognise that it is by far the most important function at our border. The consequences of its failure are massive and could cost the country billions of dollars.
“We would be very concerned about any changes which adversely impact on New Zealand’s biosecurity protection. We want to be assured any changes will improve our biosecurity system.
“While rationalising Customs and Biosecurity activity at the border may seem potentially cost-effective on the surface, the consequences of a biosecurity failure are much, much bigger than the impact of a thousand people bringing in extra duty free,” Andrew says.
Horticulture New Zealand expects to be fully involved in this review to ensure positive biosecurity outcomes.
