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  • Proposed amendments to the New Zealand Food Notice: Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds

    Proposed amendments to the New Zealand Food Notice: Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds

    Source:

    Have your say

    New Zealand Food Safety wants your feedback about changes to the New Zealand Food Notice: Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds. The proposed changes include:

    • 2 new entries for maximum residue levels in Schedule 1
    • 12 amended entries for maximum residue levels in Schedule 1.

    Full details are in the consultation document. Submissions close at 5pm on 16 May 2025.

    Consultation document

    Proposals to amend the New Zealand Food Notice: Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds [PDF, 494 KB]

    Related documents

    WTO notification – NZL 783 – SPS notification – Proposals to Amend the Maximum Residue Levels [PDF, 203 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 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 your submission

    Email your feedback on the consultation document by 5pm on 16 May 2025 to ACVM.Consultation@mpi.govt.nz

    For each compound you comment on, answer these questions:

    • Do you agree or disagree with the proposed addition or amendment?
    • Do you agree or disagree with the proposed MRL values?

    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.

    What to include

    Make sure you tell us in your submission:

    • the title of the consultation document
    • 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).

    Submissions are public information

    Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

    People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions 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 submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

    Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

  • Proposed health, safety and wellbeing guidance for transitional facilities

    Proposed health, safety and wellbeing guidance for transitional facilities

    Source:

    Updates 

    1 April 2025 – Webinars cancelled

    The webinars planned for 2 and 3 April 2025 have been cancelled due to lack of interest. Those who registered for a session have been notified of the cancellation.

    If you did send in a question for these sessions, we will email you as soon as we can. If you had a question you were hoping to raise with us during the sessions, we encourage you to email standards@mpi.govt.nz

    25 March 2025 – Consultation extension

    Biosecurity New Zealand has decided to extend the closure date for this consultation by one week. This will enable us to dedicate appropriate time to answering queries and processing submissions. Feedback on the proposed changes now closes at 5pm on 10 April 2025.

    More webinars planned

    We’re planning to hold 2 extra webinars on 2 and 3 April. But they’ll only go ahead if there is sufficient interest. 

    Presentation slides from previous webinars now available

    We’ve already held a series of webinars to introduce the proposed changes. The presentation document from these webinars is now available. The additional content that was included in the specialised sessions for vehicle, fresh produce, and grain imports is at the end of the document.

    Webinar presentation slides [PDF, 1.2 MB]

    Have your say

    From 20 February to 10 April 2025 the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment on a proposed new health, safety, and wellbeing guidance document for transitional facilities.

    We intend it to be read alongside the Standard for Transitional Facilities for General Uncleared Risk Goods (TFGEN) and the TFGEN guidance document (TFGEN-GD).

    A summary of the proposed changes is on this page. Full details are in the consultation documents.

    Submissions close at 5pm on 10 April 2025.

    What’s being proposed?

    We want your feedback about the proposed health, safety and wellbeing guidance document (TFGEN-GD-HSW).

    We’re also proposing changes to the TFGEN Standard, which include:

    • incorporating health and safety guidance information relating to biosecurity requirements and practices of TFGEN
    • adding references to the TFGEN-GD-HSW throughout the document.

    There are no proposed changes to existing TFGEN Standard requirements, nor have we reviewed the TFGEN guidance document. The existing biosecurity requirements of the TFGEN Standard and its guidance document are out of scope for this consultation.

    Note that:

    • the TFGEN-GD-HSW and the proposed guidance within the TFGEN Standard are guidance only
    • there are no new requirements being placed on transitional facilities, nor will there be any additions to the scope of the audits that MPI undertakes
    • the TFGEN-GD-HSW is outcome-focused. Transitional facility operators will be responsible for determining the best approach to meet these outcomes, ensuring alignment with their duties under the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Act 2015.

    Full details are in the discussion document.

    Why we’re making these changes

    Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, MPI has a primary duty of care to its staff to ensure that they can work in a safe environment, and that risks to their health, safety, and wellbeing are eliminated or minimised.

    Transitional facilities have significant influence over the safety of MPI staff working on their sites. MPI also shares duties with transitional facilities related to ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of workers within the biosecurity system.

    MPI has developed this proposed guidance document to fill the need for comprehensive and proactive communication with all transitional facilities about health and safety risks and risk management, and to protect all workers – from MPI inspectors to facility staff.

    The guidance is intended to assist, not replace, the transitional facility operator’s own duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Because MPI is not a health and safety regulator, the guidance does not hold the same significance as the guidance issued by regulators like WorkSafe and Maritime New Zealand.

    The proposed health, safety, and wellbeing guidance document and the proposed updates to guidance in the TFGEN Standard do not reflect a change in MPI’s expectations, but rather a shift from reactive to proactive management.

    Consultation documents

    Draft Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Guidance Document [PDF, 399 KB]

    Draft Transitional Facilities for General Uncleared Risk Goods – Facility Standard [PDF, 713 KB]

    Discussion document: Health, safety and wellbeing guidance for transitional facilities [PDF, 368 KB]

    Related document

    HSE Global Report – Transitional Facility Health & Safety Observations [PDF, 945 KB] 

    Making your submission

    Email your feedback on the draft TFGEN-GD-HSW document before 5pm on 10 April 2025 to Standards@mpi.govt.nz

    We encourage you to use the TFGEN-GD-HSW submission form [DOCX, 1.3 MB]

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

    Transitional Facilities HSW Guidance, Biosecurity Import and Export Standards
    Ministry for Primary Industries
    PO Box 2526
    Wellington 6140
    New Zealand.

    Make sure you include the following 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)
    • any requests for confidentiality of specific information you provide.

    All submissions received by the closing date will be considered before the proposed draft TFGEN Standard and proposed TFGEN-GD-HSW document are issued. MPI may hold late submissions on file for consideration when the standard is next reviewed.

    Next steps after this consultation closes

    After we have considered all submissions, we will make a final decision on which amendments will be made to the TFGEN Standard and TFGEN-GD-HSW document. 

    Submissions are public information

    Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

    People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions 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 submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

    Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

  • Fisheries reform: proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act

    Fisheries reform: proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act

    Source:

    Updates

    12 March 2025 – Consultation extended 

    The consultation has now been extended 2 more weeks. Send your feedback by 5pm on Friday 11 April 2025.

    25 February 2025 – Presentation document added

    Following the first session of the public online meeting on Monday 24 February 2025, the presentation document has been published.

    See the presentation document

    Have your say

    Fisheries New Zealand wants your feedback on a package of proposals that will enhance value to fishers and better ensure sustainability. These proposed reforms will:

    • improve the responsiveness, efficiency, and certainty of decision-making
    • provide greater protection for on-board camera footage and ensure the on-board camera programme is workable
    • implement new rules for commercial fishers that set out when QMS (Quota Management System) fish must be landed and when they can be returned to the sea.

    The consultation opened on 12 February and will close at 5pm on 11 April 2025.

    Media release

    Consultation opens on fisheries reforms – Beehive

    Online public meetings

    During the consultation period, we’ll be holding 4 public online meetings. At these sessions, we’ll give you a high-level presentation on the proposals and you’ll have a chance to ask questions.

    • Session 1 – Monday 24 February 2025, 6pm to 7pm
    • Session 2 – Monday 3 March 2025, 3pm to 4pm 
    • Session 3 – Thursday 13 March 2025, 3pm to 4pm
    • Session 4 – Wednesday 2 April 2025, 3pm to 4pm.

    If you would like to attend one of the meetings, you must register.

    Register for an online meeting – SurveyMonkey

    We encourage you to read the consultation document before you attend.

    Consultation document

    Proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act 1996 [PDF, 2.4 MB]

    Related documents

    Proposed Amendments to the Fisheries Act Consultation Presentation 2025 [PDF, 482 KB]

    Part 3 of the consultation document seeks input into how we plan to implement new rules for commercial fishers that set out when QMS species must be landed and when they can be returned to the sea. Further detail on one of the proposals is in the supplementary information document.

    Proposed adjustments to Total Allowable Catch settings for stocks where a current landing exception is removed [PDF, 585 KB]

    Fisheries reform work programme – Cabinet paper [PDF, 1.1 MB]

    Proposed Changes to the Fisheries Act 1996 Consultation – Cabinet paper [PDF, 1 MB]

    Why we’re making these changes

    The Government has made commitments to lift New Zealand’s productivity and economic growth – increasing opportunities and prosperity for all New Zealanders, including the seafood sector.

    We now have access to better quality and more frequent data through electronic reporting by fishers and verification of some of this data by onboard cameras and fisheries observers.

    The proposed changes respond to the Government’s goals and take advantage of new data and analytical tools to improve how we manage New Zealand’s fisheries.

    Making your submission

    We must get your feedback by 5pm on Friday 11 April 2025. We’d prefer you used our online survey form but you can also email or post a submission. 

    Online submission form – SurveyMonkey

    Email

    Email your submissions to fish.reform@mpi.govt.nz

    Post

    Post your written submission to:

    Fisheries Policy Team
    Policy and Trade Branch
    Ministry for Primary Industries
    PO Box 2526 Wellington 6140
    New Zealand.

    What to include in your email and postal submission

    Make sure you tell us:

    • the title of the consultation document [‘Proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act 1996’]
    • 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).

    Submissions are public information

    Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

    People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions 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 submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

    Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

  • Proposed changes to cost recovery settings: 2025 annual review

    Proposed changes to cost recovery settings: 2025 annual review

    Source:

    Have your say

    The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) seeks your feedback on increases to:

    • the Dairy Standards Processor Levy and the Dairy Exporter Levy
    • veterinary service fees for establishments
    • veterinary service fees for live animal imports and exports, including germplasm
    • the Raw Milk Levy
    • the Homekill Levy.

    We’re also proposing 6 relatively small design changes to ensure appropriate charging for the services provided.

    Summaries of the proposals are on this page and full details are in the consultation document.

    Consultation opened on 5 February and we must get your submissions by 5pm on 7 March 2025.

    Consultation document

    Annual review 2025: Proposed changes to MPI’s cost recovery settings [PDF, 1.9 MB]

    What’s being proposed?

    Fee/levy Current rate Proposed rate

    Dairy Standards Processor Levy total revenue per annum 

    $4,279,580

    $5,576,268

    Dairy Exporter Levy revenue per annum 

    $834,567

    $1,541,334

    Establishments fees (vets) per hour

    $128.15

    $152.42 or $155.80

    Establishments fees (supervising vets) per hour

    $136.45

    $169.89 or $173.71

    Veterinary service fees for live animal imports and exports, including germplasm per hour

    $186.30

    $216.84

    Raw Milk Levy per annum

    $581.25

    2% increases per annum for 3 years.

    $616.83 by 2027–28.

    Homekill Levy per annum

    $100

    2% increases per annum for 3 years.

    $106.12 by 2027–28.

    Summaries of proposed regulatory design changes to 6 other cost recovery settings

    1. Clearance of increased regulatory interest and high regulatory interest foods (for example, frozen berries)

    Regulations currently include an administration activity fee for importing of increased regulatory interest food or high regulatory interest food. Under the regulations, charging is specified as being for “each consignment”. The administration activity is often done for groups of consignments, for example, where a group of consignments comes from a single origin, rather than for each consignment within that group. This saves time and reduces the bill for the importer. It is proposed to amend the regulations to clarify that charging is done for “each consignment or group of consignments of a single origin”.

    2. Levy waiver relating to the former Meat Industry Initiative Fund

    Regulations state amounts to be charged for a now-ended Meat Initiative Fund. A permanent waiver is in place so that these amounts are not actually charged. The design change proposes to replace the waiver with a change to the regulations to clarify that these charges have ceased.

    3. Food export exemptions

    It is proposed to add a new charge of $135 per application plus $33.75 per quarter hour beyond the first hour to recover the cost of the work undertaken by MPI officials to process exemption requests under section 347 of the Food Act 2014. For example, if food is destined solely for export, it should comply with standards in the destination market and could be given an exemption from meeting New Zealand standards where these differ from those prevailing in the destination market. The new fee will increase revenue by about $34,000 per annum.

    4. Agent collection rate (Domestic Food Business Levy)

    A change is proposed to clarify that the $11 collection charge for the Domestic Food Business Levy currently described in regulation is GST-exclusive. Charges in regulations are routinely recorded as GST-exclusive because businesses are generally the one charged and claim back GST (the price businesses are concerned about is the GST-exclusive price). This will also future-proof charges in case of future GST changes. This charge was intended to be GST-exclusive.

    5. Animal products: charges for use of electronic system

    The proposal is to amend the Animal Products (Dairy Industry Fees, Charges, and Levies) Regulations 2015 and Animal Products (Fees, Charges, and Levies) Regulations 2007, to enable certification costs to be recovered at the same level during 2025–26, as the certification system transitions from the AP e-cert system to the new trade certification system. The proposals include removing the “cost per second” component of the charging formula, and to amend the definition of “cost per request” as the cost per second component is not compatible with how the new system will operate.

    6. Food Importer Levy

    Three changes are proposed to the new Food Importer Levy. The changes improve efficiency around who pays, what data is used in the calculation of the levy, and the due date for levy payment. The changes reflect original intentions when the Food Importer Levy was approved last year, but which were not given effect at the time. The changes are as follows:

    • extend the levy to importers who are registered but who do not import any amount of food. Despite importing no food, these importers generate some cost by interacting with the food safety system
    • charge importers at the start of each financial year according to their import amounts from the previous year. This is expected to reduce administration costs for importers and MPI.

    We also propose to standardise the date the levy is payable to within 20 working days of the date of the annual levy invoice.

    Making a submission

    We welcome submissions on the proposals contained in the consultation document. Submissions must be received by 5pm on 7 March 2025.

    You can make a submission by completing a submission form and either:

    • sending it to us by email, or
    • posting it to us.

    Cost recovery submission form [DOCX, 110 KB]

    How to submit your completed form by email

    Attach your completed form to an email and send it to costrecovery@mpi.govt.nz

    How to submit your completed form by post

    Post your completed submission form to:

    Cost Recovery Directorate I Corporate Branch
    Ministry for Primary Industries
    PO Box 2526
    Wellington 6140.

    Submissions are public information

    Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

    People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions 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 submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

    Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

  • Proposed changes to the import health standard for bovine germplasm

    Proposed changes to the import health standard for bovine germplasm

    Source:

    Have your say

    From 15 January to 15 March 2025, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment on proposed changes to the Bovine Germplasm Import Health Standard (IHS).

    The short code for the import health standard is BOVIGERM.GEN

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

    What is being proposed?

    The standard currently covers import conditions for bovine semen and bovine in vivo derived embryos. We are proposing an amendment to expand the scope to include bovine in vitro produced embryos in response to interest from importers and market trends. We are also proposing some minor updates to the existing import conditions for bovine semen and bovine in vivo derived embryos to align with WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) recommendations and provide more clarity.

    The proposed amendments

    Overall, we are proposing to amend the standard by:

    • adding conditions for the importation of bovine in vitro produced embryos
    • removing the import permit requirement for all bovine germplasm
    • changing references of cattle to “animals” throughout the IHS to cover other relevant bovine species. More information about this change is in the ‘Bovine germplasm guidance document’.

    For bovine semen, we’re proposing to:

    • add options for the management of enzootic bovine leukosis
    • clarify the test options for BVDV2
    • add semen testing and donor treatment options for the management of leptospirosis
    • change semen donor testing requirements for the management of Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis
    • remove the condition for donors to never have had a confirmed positive result for Q fever when semen is tested directly
    • remove the antibiotic treatment option for the management of Mycoplasma bovis in semen
    • add a definition for semen collection.

    For bovine in vivo derived embryos, we’re proposing to:

    • clarify the test options for BVDV2
    • align the import conditions for lumpy skin disease with WOAH recommendations
    • add embryo testing and donor treatment options for the management of leptospirosis
    • remove the requirement for embryo donors to be free of TB signs 24 hours prior to collection
    • require the semen used to produce the embryos to meet the import conditions for Mycoplasma bovis.

    Consultation documents

    Draft Bovine Germplasm Import Health Standard [PDF, 500 KB]

    Bovine germplasm IHS guidance document [PDF, 530 KB]

    Risk management proposal for importing bovine germplasm [PDF, 561 KB]

    Related documents

    WTO notification [PDF, 80 KB]

    Making your submission

    Email your feedback on the draft before 5pm on 15 March 2025 to animal.imports@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:

    Bovine germplasm IHS consultation, Animals and Animal Products Import Standards
    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.

    Steps to finalising the new IHS

    After consultation on a draft import health standard, MPI publishes a provisional IHS.

    If you made a submission during the consultation, you have 10 working days to notify the Director-General of MPI that you intend to request an independent review. Reviews are limited to whether specific scientific evidence was given sufficient consideration.

    If no review is requested within 10 working days, then the provisional IHS is confirmed and the final IHS is issued. A 6-month transition period will be implemented during which time either the old or new import requirements can be used. After this period, the new import requirements in the IHS must be followed.

    For more information about reviews refer to Section 24 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 – NZ Legislation

    Submissions are public information

    Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

    People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions 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 submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

    Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

    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.

  • Draft Animal Products Notice: Dairy Preparedness and Response: Foot and Mouth Disease Incursion (Regulated Control Scheme)

    Draft Animal Products Notice: Dairy Preparedness and Response: Foot and Mouth Disease Incursion (Regulated Control Scheme)

    Source:

    Have your say

    The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking feedback on a proposed Animal Products Notice: Dairy Preparedness and Response: Foot and Mouth Disease Incursion (Regulated Control Scheme).

    The purpose of the Notice is to enable a regulated control scheme for dairy processors for export, so that processors can maintain business continuity with a high level of assurance in the event of an incursion of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV).

    Background to this consultation

    In March of 2023, MPI started working to develop a mechanism that would allow milk collection, transport, processing, and export to continue in the event of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD), with the following objectives:

    • to facilitate trade negotiation with a high degree of assurance for trading partners
    • to enable export dairy processors to continue operations with minimal disruption and to obtain an exemption from movement controls
    • to provide clear and scientifically sound measures to prevent transmission between farms and contamination of the product from dairy operations.

    To help achieve these objectives, MPI has developed this Notice. It enables a regulated control scheme under the Animal Products Act 1999 and sets out export requirements for dairy processors that supply their products overseas.

    Discussion document

    Animal Products Notice: Milk Collection and Processing for Export During a Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Incursion (Regulated Control Scheme) [PDF, 261 KB]

    Draft Animal Products Notice

    Dairy Preparedness and Response: Foot and Mouth Disease Incursion (Regulated Control Scheme) [PDF, 508 KB]

    Making your submission

    Submissions close at 5pm on 14 February 2025.

    To help make your submission, we encourage you to use our submission template.

    Submission template [DOCX, 65 KB]

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

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

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

    What to include in your submission

    If you are using the feedback form, make sure to include:

    • the name of the consultation document you are submitting on
    • 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).

    Submissions are public information

    Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

    People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions 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 submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

    Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

  • Proposed changes to the import health standard for importing cats and dogs

    Proposed changes to the import health standard for importing cats and dogs

    Source:

    Update – 5 March

    The closing date for this consultation has been extended. We’re now accepting submissions until 5pm on Friday 21 March.

    Have your say

    From 13 January to 21 March 2025, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment on proposed changes to the Cat and Dog Import Health Standard (CATSDOGS.GEN).

    In 2021, we also asked for your feedback about changes to the standard.

    However, those proposed changes were not implemented because of concerns about fraudulence relating to the rabies and residency import requirements.

    Since then, we’ve reviewed the rabies and residency requirements and completed further risk work on Brucella canis and Babesia spp.

    2021 consultation: Proposed new import health standard (IHS) for cats and dogs

    Changes to the proposed IHS since the 2021 consultation are outlined in the ‘Review of submissions’. Full details are in the consultation documents.

    Summary of proposals

    In this consultation, the proposed amendments cover 4 topics.

    Brucella canis

    Increase the timeframe for testing.

    For mated dogs:

    • test the dog that naturally mated the dog for export, or the dog that produced semen for artificial breeding
    • test a sample of semen used to breed the dog for export.

    Babesia gibsoni and rossi

    • Increase the timeframe for testing.  
    • Increase the number of PCR tests from 2 to 3 and reduce the timeframe between each test.
    • Test dogs younger than 6 months of age with PCR tests.
    • Post-arrival inspection includes a check for evidence of recent bites.

    Pre-export identification check

    Addition of pre-export identification checks by an official veterinarian prior to the rabies titration test.

    Transit

    Remove the previous proposal to allow transit through non-categorised countries.

    Consultation documents 

    Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs (IHS) [PDF, 1.5 MB]

    Risk Management Proposal (RMP) [PDF, 591 KB]

    Related documents

    Review of submissions (from first consultation in 2021) [PDF, 696 KB]

    Current Import Health Standard for Cats and Dogs: Cats and Dogs [PDF, 287 KB]

    Current guidance document: Cats and dogs [PDF, 521 KB]

    WTO notification [PDF, 158 KB]

    Making your submission

    Email your feedback on the draft before 5pm on 21 March 2025 to animal.imports@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:

    Animal Approvals and Advice
    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.

    Any subsequent changes to the IHS will be noted in a second review of submissions prior to the IHS being finalised.

    Steps to finalising the new IHS

    After consultation on a draft import health standard, MPI publishes a provisional IHS.

    If you made a submission during the consultation, you have 10 working days to notify the Director-General of MPI that you intend to request an independent review. Reviews are limited to whether specific scientific evidence was given sufficient consideration.

    If no review is requested within 10 working days, then the provisional IHS is confirmed and the final IHS is issued. A 6-month transition period will be implemented during which time either the old or new import requirements can be used. After this period, the new import requirements in the IHS must be followed.

    For more information about reviews refer to Section 24 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 – NZ Legislation

    Submissions are public information

    Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

    People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions 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 submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

    Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

    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.

  • Controls lifted at poultry farm after virus eradicated

    Controls lifted at poultry farm after virus eradicated

    Source:

    Movement controls have been lifted from Mainland Poultry’s Hillgrove Farm in Otago, after the successful eradication of H7N6 strain of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) says Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) chief veterinary officer Dr Mary Van Andel.

    When HPAI H7N6 was detected in poultry at the property in early December, the Ministry for Primary Industries moved swiftly to stamp out the virus.

    “While there is still work to be done, the lifting of movement controls is a significant milestone in the response and means that Mainland Poultry can begin the process of returning to business,” says Dr van Andel.

    “We’re grateful to Mainland Poultry, which did the right thing in notifying us as soon as an exotic disease was suspected and for working with us in partnership to successfully stamp out this disease.”

    MPI immediately put strict movement controls on the property to prevent goods or anything else that might be carrying the virus leaving the property.

    Dr van Andel says more than 5,600 tests were carried out on samples from poultry and wild birds, including from 36 flocks across 5 farms linked to Mainland’s Hillgrove property. HPAI was not found anywhere other than Hillgrove, giving confidence that the disease had been contained and stamped out.

    Chickens on the farm were humanely euthanised and disposed of in a secure landfill, along with eggs, litter and manure from the farm. This was followed by an extensive cleaning and disinfection process.

    “The processes we have followed – depopulation and disposal, decontamination of the site and extensive surveillance – give us confidence that the virus has been eradicated.”

    MPI staff will continue to support Mainland as the farm is repopulated.

    “Good progress is being made to restore trade, with around $300 million of trade in poultry products recovered to date.”

    MPI has worked with overseas government counterparts and industry partners in New Zealand to meet market requirements and has also proposed alternative assurances to some markets. MPI continues to work towards the reopening of trade for others.

    Dr van Andel says testing indicates that the infection at Hillgrove is likely to have occurred after free-range laying hens foraging outside were exposed to wild birds with a low pathogenicity (LPAI) virus strain, which then mutated in the hens to become HPAI.

    “This is the first time such an event in New Zealand has been documented and our first case of HPAI. We’ve learned a lot from this response that will help us to prepare for HPAI H5N1 if it spreads here.”

    Read more about the latest update at our website: A strain of bird flu (H7N6) in Otago

    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.

  • Commercial fishers landing exception for legal-size pāua

    Commercial fishers landing exception for legal-size pāua

    Source:

    Consultation background

    Under the Fisheries Act 1996, commercial fishers are prohibited from returning or abandoning to the sea or other waters, any fish or shellfish that are subject to the Quota Management System (QMS). However, the Act allows for exceptions to the rule.

    See section 72A(2) of the Fisheries Act 1996 – NZ Legislation

    Fisheries New Zealand is assessing whether a commercial landing exception should be provided for hand-gathered pāua (blackfoot and yellowfoot) that are above the minimum legal size. This would allow commercial fishers to return legal-size pāua to the sea based on an acceptable likelihood of survival.

    Have your say

    In New Zealand, pāua are exclusively taken by the highly selective method of hand gathering. Commercial fishers use custom-made blunt tools to remove pāua from reefs. They follow industry developed voluntary handling and mitigation practices to reduce likelihood of damage to pāua. Best available information indicates that post-release survival of commercially harvested pāua is high, which is further supported by the use of voluntary best handling practices.

    For these reasons, Fisheries New Zealand is proposing an exception to allow commercial fishers to return hand-gathered pāua that is above the minimum legal size.

    We’d like your feedback on this proposal. Consultation is open from 15 January to 12 February 2025. 

    Consultation document

    Commercial landing exception: Pāua [PDF, 499 KB]

    Related documents

    Commercial landing exception reviews: Operational guidelines [PDF, 386 KB]

    Commercial landing exceptions: Policy context and legal overview [PDF, 358 KB]

    Making your submission

    Email your feedback by 5pm on 12 February 2025 to FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz

    A template is available to help you complete your submission. It includes questions you may like to answer to help you with your submission and further space for any other feedback.

    Submissions template [DOCX, 85 KB]

    While we prefer email, you can post written submissions to:

    Fisheries Management – National Direction
    Fisheries New Zealand
    Ministry for Primary Industries
    PO Box 2526
    Wellington 6140.

    What to include

    Make sure you tell us in your submission:

    • your name and title
    • your organisation’s name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation)
    • your contact details (such as phone number, address, and email).

    Submissions are public information

    Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

    People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions 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 submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

    Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

  • Commercial fishers landing exception for legal-size Bluff oysters

    Commercial fishers landing exception for legal-size Bluff oysters

    Source:

    Consultation background

    Under the Fisheries Act 1996, commercial fishers are prohibited from returning or abandoning to the sea or other waters, any fish or shellfish that are subject to the Quota Management System (QMS). However, the Act allows for exceptions to the rule.

    See section 72A(2) of the Fisheries Act 1996 – NZ Legislation

    Fisheries New Zealand is assessing whether a commercial landing exception should be provided for dredge oysters taken from Foveaux Strait (OYU5, Bluff oysters) that are above the minimum legal size. This would allow commercial fishers to return legal-size Bluff oysters to the sea based on an acceptable likelihood of survival.

    Have your say

    Based on physiological characteristics, such as their ability to survive prolonged air exposure, best available information indicates that, when handled appropriately, post-release survival of commercially caught dredge oysters is high. This is supported by international research.

    All other dredge oyster stocks have a commercial landing exception allowing commercial fishers to return legal-size dredge oysters to the sea. 

    For these reasons, Fisheries New Zealand is proposing an exception to allow commercial fishers to return Bluff oysters that are above the minimum legal size to the sea.

    We’d like your feedback on this proposal. Consultation is open from 15 January to 12 February 2025. 

    Consultation document

    Commercial landing exception: Foveaux Strait (Bluff) oysters [PDF, 480 KB]

    Related documents

    Commercial landing exception reviews: Operational guidelines [PDF, 386 KB]

    Commercial landing exceptions: Policy context and legal overview [PDF, 358 KB]

    Making your submission

    Email your feedback by 5pm on 12 February 2025 to FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz

    A template is available to help you complete your submission. It includes questions you may like to answer to help you with your submission and further space for any other feedback.

    Submissions template [DOCX, 85 KB]

    While we prefer email, you can post written submissions to:

    Fisheries Management – National Direction
    Fisheries New Zealand
    Ministry for Primary Industries
    PO Box 2526
    Wellington 6140.

    What to include

    Make sure you tell us in your submission:

    • your name and title
    • your organisation’s name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation)
    • your contact details (such as phone number, address, and email).

    Submissions are public information

    Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

    People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions 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 submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

    Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation