Search

The government has invested hugely in aquatic biosecurity where previous administrations neglected the issue

New Zealand has a long history of experience with biological invasions – over time, rats, mice, and numerous other pests and diseases have made it here. We’ve had to develop strong systems for biosecurity to maintain our environment and way of life, systems recognized as world class by the rest of the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen: my colleague Paul Swain, Director-general Murray Sherwin, I am delighted you could join me here today, to formally launch plans for the National Centre of Biosecurity and Infectious Disease.

Other parties have been challenged to protect biosecurity funding.

The investigation by MAF and Environment Ministry officials into a potential GM finding is business as usual.

Funding has been allocated to strengthen containment and to trial potential control and eradication methods for Didymosphenia geminata in Southland’s Mararoa and lower Waiau rivers.

One of the world’s most destructive forestry pests – the Asian Gypsy Moth – has been eradicated from Hamilton.

The Labour-Progressive Government has boosted baseline biosecurity funding every year

Biosecurity and Agriculture Minister Sutton is confident MAF’s systems for dealing with foot and mouth disease are robust and effective.

One of the world’s most destructive pests – subterranean termites – has been successfully eradicated from three sites, including one infestation in Otorohanga.

Anew and more transparent process by which work on Import Health Standards – the rules under which products enter New Zealand - will be prioritised is being proposed.

Submissions on the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s review of current funding arrangements for central government biosecurity services have been published.

The second phase of an exercise testing readiness for potential foot and mouth disease has started.

Strict biosecurity measures are in place for any avian-related imports from Asia.

The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry will lead a major exercise in April simulating an outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

Another improvement recommended in the Biosecurity Strategy is implemented.

The Government is consulting on the funding for biosecurity services.

The Cabinet has approved a $10 million programme to attempt to eradicate the southern saltmarsh mosquito around the Wairau and Lake Grassmere, Associate Biosecurity Minister Marian Hobbs announced today.

This Government is committed to proper levels of biosecurity, based on honest science.

Assessing plant imports according to standard international practice would be a wise choice for the Japanese government, says Trade Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton

Budget 2004 allocates $46.5 million in new funding over four years to strengthen New Zealand's defences against exotic weeds, pests, and diseases, Biosecurity Minister Jim Sutton said today.

The spray campaign against the Painted Apple Moth pest has been completed.

A Board of Inquiry will be held into a proposed Varroa National Pest Management Strategy, due to a lack of agreement among South Island beekeepers on the contents of the proposal, Biosecurity Minister Jim Sutton says.

The Government has confidence in the future of the forestry sector.