Biosecurity compromise a token gesture

Biosecurity New Zealand’s compromise to its border security operations review is a very small step in the right direction.

“Federated Farmers is relieved Biosecurity New Zealand has shown some commonsense by retaining staff in regional areas such as Whangarei, Tauranga and Timaru,” says John Hartnell, Federated Farmers biosecurity spokesperson.

“Reducing the number of redundancies from 60 to 54 is also a positive move, as the agricultural industry viewed this proposal as incredibly short sighted.

“The problem though, is that New Zealand’s biosecurity record has been far from perfect of late. Over the past few years alone, our borders have been porous at best and we have seen several damaging pests sneak their way into the country.

“While we are happy that Biosecurity New Zealand has listened to farmers’ objections to the proposed redundancies, Federated Farmers still views today’s compromise as a token gesture.

“Biosecurity New Zealand has already failed to prevent the painted apple moth, red imported fire ants, southern salt marsh mosquito, didymo, coco peat, varroa mite, flour beetle and subterranean termites from entering the country.

“These incursions combined have cost the tax payer well over $100million in addition to the costs rural based businesses have borne to combat the incursions within their industries.

“Our natural advantage as an island nation means we have huge benefits over other nations when it comes to biosecurity. We cannot be complacent and while risk management considerations, cargo screening and import health standards are good, they will never replace frontline staff at the border.

“It is essential that the farming community also play its part by swiftly reporting any breaches in biosecurity standards or incursions in their patch. They can do this by calling the biosecurity hotline on 0800 80 99 66,” Mr Hartnell concluded.