International measures for the continued protection of sharks have received a boost following the announcement that delegates from 39 signatories have unanimously agreed to add 22 additional shark and ray species to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (Sharks MOU).

The Sharks MOU is an international initiative aimed at collaboration around the conservation of migratory sharks to which New Zealand is the most recent signatory, having signed up in July last year.     

Scott Gallacher, MPI Deputy Director General, Regulation and Assurance said: "Migratory shark species grow slowly, mature late and produce few offspring. Because of these factors they can be vulnerable to overexploitation.

"This latest outcome is very good news as it demonstrates the ongoing support of the 39 signatories of the Sharks MOU to increasing research and understanding of an additional 22 species of sharks and rays.

"This level of international co-operation working to support and understand the issues faced by these species of shark and ray is good news and constitutes an agreement that New Zealand, through the work of MPI, is committed to supporting."

Further information on the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks can be found here:

• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
• #SharksMOS2 on Twitter

• All Markets Including Taiwan
• All Markets Excluding Taiwan

'Site Status' Definition:

• Compliant: Production site compliant with survey requirements. Post harvest requirements will be verified by IVA's prior to certification

AsureQuality - Updated 1716 February 2016

All Markets Including Taiwan

AsureQuality - Updated 1715 February 2016

International measures for the continued protection of sharks have received a boost following the announcement that delegates from 39 signatories have unanimously agreed to add 22 additional shark and ray species to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (Sharks MOU).

The Sharks MOU is an international initiative aimed at collaboration around the conservation of migratory sharks to which New Zealand is the most recent signatory, having signed up in July last year.     

Scott Gallacher, MPI Deputy Director General, Regulation and Assurance said: "Migratory shark species grow slowly, mature late and produce few offspring. Because of these factors they can be vulnerable to overexploitation.

"This latest outcome is very good news as it demonstrates the ongoing support of the 39 signatories of the Sharks MOU to increasing research and understanding of an additional 22 species of sharks and rays.

"This level of international co-operation working to support and understand the issues faced by these species of shark and ray is good news and constitutes an agreement that New Zealand, through the work of MPI, is committed to supporting."

• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks – UNEP/CMS websiteConvention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
• UNEP/CMS Twitter page
• #SharksMOS2 on Twitter#SharksMOS2 on Twitter

Public warnings about toxic shellfish

Shellfish and seawater samples are taken every week from popular shellfish gathering areas around New Zealand and are tested for the presence of toxic algae. If the shellfish are not safe to eat, then public health warnings are issued and signs are posted at affected beaches.

The information on this page relates only to the non-commercial (recreational and traditional) taking of shellfish. Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets, or exported – is subject to strict water and flesh monitoring programmes by MPI to ensure they are safe to eat.

Subscribe to email updates about shellfish biotoxin warnings

North Island warnings

One warning is in place for the North Island:

• Bay of Plenty/Coromandel.

Bay of Plenty/Coromandel

Map: The affected area in the Bay of Plenty/Coromandel

If you get sick after eating shellfish

If anyone becomes ill after eating shellfish from an area where a public health warning has been issued:

• phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16, or seek medical attention immediately
• advise your nearest public health unit
• keep any leftover shellfish in case it can be tested.

Find your nearest public health unit

Find out more

• Food Safety for Seafood Gatherers booklet
• Causes and symptoms of toxic shellfish poisoning
• Toxic algal blooms
• Collecting Shellfish and Keeping Them Safe

• All Markets Including Taiwan
• All Markets Excluding Taiwan

'Site Status' Definition:

• Compliant: Production site compliant with survey requirements. Post harvest requirements will be verified by IVA's prior to certification

AsureQuality - Updated 1716 February 2016

All Markets Including Taiwan

AsureQuality - Updated 1715 February 2016

International measures for the continued protection of sharks have received a boost following the announcement that delegates from 39 signatories have unanimously agreed to add 22 additional shark and ray species to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (Sharks MOU).

The Sharks MOU is an international initiative aimed at collaboration around the conservation of migratory sharks to which New Zealand is the most recent signatory, having signed up in July last year.     

Scott Gallacher, MPI Deputy Director General, Regulation and Assurance said: "Migratory shark species grow slowly, mature late and produce few offspring. Because of these factors they can be vulnerable to overexploitation.

"This latest outcome is very good news as it demonstrates the ongoing support of the 39 signatories of the Sharks MOU to increasing research and understanding of an additional 22 species of sharks and rays.

"This level of international co-operation working to support and understand the issues faced by these species of shark and ray is good news and constitutes an agreement that New Zealand, through the work of MPI, is committed to supporting."

• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks – UNEP/CMS websiteConvention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
• UNEP/CMS Twitter page
• #SharksMOS2 on Twitter#SharksMOS2 on Twitter

The aim

Shaping market demands for New Zealand fine wool.

Meeting market demands for fine wool.

The New Zealand Sheep Industry Transformation Project (NZSTX) aims to increase production of market-driven sheep, shifting the balance between New Zealand strong and fine wool production, and using product differentiation to generate better grower returns for sheep fibre, meat and other products.products, such as leather.

The challenge

Over recent decades, profitability in the sheep meat and strong wool sectors has suffered long-term decline, resulting in a large drop in the national sheep flock in favour of dairy and other production. At the same time, prices for fine wool fibre (such as Merino) have remained higher and demand from international markets for certain fine wool types has begun to outstrip New Zealand supply (for example, in the active outdoors apparel market).

While additional premiums for New Zealand fine wool growers have been achieved through successful product differentiation, this success has not been replicated in other parts of the New Zealand sheep industry with strong woolindustry. Products such as leather and lanolin have rarely been regarded as potential sources of profit for growers, and sheep meat typically beingand strong wool has been sold on a commodity basis.

The solution

The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM)NZM model, which forms the foundation of the NZSTX programme, takes a fit-for-market approach. The end-market user is identified, and connections are made right through the value chain back to the grower that produced the raw fibre (or meat).meat or leather). This connection between the grower and the market encourages truly fit-for-market production, with clear specifications to be met, providing the opportunity for premiums to be generated throughout the supply chain.

To address the growing demand for New Zealand fine wool fibre in specific markets, such as the active outdoors apparel market,apparel, and steadily shrinking demand for strong wool, a key objective for NZSTX is to shift production towards a more fit-for-market  fibre type,  In addition, these fit-for-market sheep will produce meat and other products (such as leather) that isare being differentiated through NZSTX initiatives to achieve greater value for growers and the value chain.

Underpinning this shift in production to better meet market demands is the portfolio of NZSTX production science projects. The 3three key areas are genetics, animal health and forage production. A majorThe focus forin the remainder of the NZSTX programmeupcoming year is on the FeetFirst project, which spans both genetics and animal health, and is seeking a new genetic solution to footrot in sheep.

Dr Mark Ferguson (NZM's Production Science Project Manager) inspects ewes at the Central Progeny Test site in North Canterbury. The Central Progeny Test is an anchor project in NZSTX's genetics and animal health portfolio.

Dr Mark Ferguson (NZM's Production Science Project Manager) inspects ewes at the Central Progeny Test site in North Canterbury. The Central Progeny Test is an anchor project in NZSTX's genetics and animal health portfolio.

Outcome Logic Model

• Outcome logic for NZSTX - November 2013Outcome logic for NZSTX - November 2013

Outcomes to date

• Through NZSTX initiatives, theThe NZM fibre supply contract model has been enhanced, with more direct supply contracts for the New Zealand fine wool clip, often at a significant premium to the global commodity price. Contracts are in place with market partners from around the world, including New Zealand, Europe, the USA, the UK, ChinaChina, Japan, Germany and Japan. Italy for fine and mid micron wool, worth around $86 million per year to fine and mid-micron wool  growers in New Zealand. Market conditions for wool fibre are currently challenging, under scoring the importance of the market initiatives in the NZSTX programme to support the premium position for fine and mid micron wool
• Differentiation of New Zealand Merino fibre undertaken through NZSTX has enabled the development of new brand partnerships across a range of micron categories, the creation of new business prospects with potential brand partners, as well as continued demand for New Zealand fine wool fibre from established brand partners.
• Through NZSTX, NZM has further developed the suite of tools used to differentiate New Zealand Merino fibre, particularly in the digital communication space. This assists brand partners with market positioning of New Zealand fine wool fibre.
• NZM’s farm accreditation system, which underpins the credibility of traceable and sustainably produced New Zealand Merino fibre, has been enhanced during the life of NZSTX. This accreditation system enables brand partners to meet the increasing consumer demand for these attributes.
• Alongside NZSTX, NZM has begun marketing New Zealand strong wool and has had a number of early successes with new brand partners in this space and significant grower commitment. This work is strongly aligned with the NZSTX strategy for the 2-year extension, as it enables NZM to build relationships with strong wool growers and provides the opportunity to discuss moving towards more fit-for-market production with these growers.
• NZM and Silver Fern Farms (throughThrough the Alpine Origin Merino joint venture)venture, NZM and Silver Fern Farms have differentiated Merino meat under(under the 'Silere'SILERE alpine origin merino'brand. This isbrand) and are providing improved pricing certainty for New Zealand sheep growers through longer-term contracts. BrandedThe full year (2013-14) target for overall sales of Merino, both domestically and internationally, are continuing to grow.has been met, with international sales exceeding expected volumes.
• In collaboration with New Zealand Light Leathers, NZM prototyped Merino leather in the high-end fashion market (as 'Kura'KURA New Zealand Alpine Leather'). While this concept showed promise, it is not a commercially scalable prospect at present. Leather' was launched in domestic and international markets in 2013.
• TheA production science programme, which will continue until June 2017, focusesincluding a comprehensive technology transfer component, commenced in 2010, with a focus on genetics, animal health, forage and technology transfer.
• So far, the FeetFirst project has delivered a prototype genomic breeding value (gBV) for footrot resistance in fine wool sheep. This gBV will be further refined (including prototyping of the commercialisation pathway) during years 6 and 7 of the NZSTX programme.
• A fine wool central progeny test (CPT) hason-farm trials. As part of the production science programme, the following key projects have been established forinitiated to accelerate the transition of New ZealandZealand’s sheep industry, which is enabling estimated breeding values (EBVs)industry to be generated across the New Zealand fine wool sheep flock. The CPT is also playing an important role in the development of the gBV for footrot resistance.fit-for-market production:
  • The FeetFirst project was commenced in 2012 to develop a new genetic test for selecting foot rot-resistant fine wool sheep.  There has been encouraging progress in this work.
  • In 2013, a central progeny test was established for fine wool sheep, along with a stud breeder support service, to accelerate the transition of New Zealand's fine wool industry to estimated breeding values (EBVs).  To date, there has been uptake of by approximately 20 fine wool ram breeders (representing around 75% of fine wool rams sold in New Zealand) of the tools required to generate EBVs.
  • A grower-owned nucleus breeding flock was formed in 2013 to accelerate the development of fit-for-market fine wool sheep genotypes. This project is progressing well and will be commercialised by the industry at the end of the PGP programme to ensure rapid dissemination of these genetics within the New Zealand sheep industry.
  • Forage trials have identified legume options for increasing fine wool sheep production in difficult high-country farming areas, and an extension programme is leading to increased uptake of these forage types in fine wool production systems.
• There has been a significant uptake of EBV technology amongst New Zealand fine wool stud breeders as a result of NZSTX, with increasing awareness of the technology (and demand) from commercial breeders.
• A nucleus breeding flock has been established to developIn March 2014, an improved fine wool sheep genotype (including improved carcass, reproduction and animal health attributes), with a groupexternal mid-term progress review of 7 breeders committing to continue the nucleus flock asNZSTX project (see link below) found that NZSTX is a commercial entity.
• A study into the impact of Ovine Johne’s disease, undertaken in collaboration with the Johne’s disease research consortium (JDRC) has delivered improved understanding of the economic proposition for vaccinating fine wool sheep against the disease.
• Softwareworthwhile programme that has been developed for modelling production system comparisons between different sheep genotypes (for example fine wool versus strong-wool). This software programme is used in consultations with sheep producers consideringpotential to substantially transform the transition from strong wool to more 'fit-for-market' sheep production systems.
• Trial work done by Lincoln University has increased knowledge of how alternative legumes can be establishedindustry and managedimprove economic outcomes in sheep production systems in challenging high country environments. Through a dedicated agronomist service supported by NZSTX, there has been accelerated forage development amongst New Zealand’s fine wool sheep producers – particularly using legumes such as lucerne.the sector.

Audit

• Report on the management of Primary Growth Partnership funding by New Zealand Merino Company Ltd for the period 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012Report on the management of Primary Growth Partnership funding by New Zealand Merino Company Ltd for the period 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012

Mid-term progress review report

New Zealand sheep industry transformation PGP programme (March 2014)New Zealand sheep industry transformation PGP programme (March 2014)

Transforming the meat industry

Transforming the local meat industry into a consumer-centric food and healthcare business is a key driver for FoodPlus, a PGP programme led by ANZCO Foods.

The programme aims to generate more value from the red meat carcase by developing new and innovative uses for parts of the animal.

The programme will lead to improved value of livestock, new products, and more collaboration between industry and research organisations. It will also help build the primary sector's reputation as a responsive, innovative and market-led industry.

The challenge

A significant proportion of the red meat carcase is sold as lower value products, which means farmers and others in the value chain are missing out on important food and revenue opportunities.

The solution

The FoodPlus PGP programme will identify opportunities to create new, higher value products, with a focus on new food, ingredients and healthcare products.

The information coming out of the early market research has already identified opportunities for new products and is influencing decisions on the type of products that will be developed through this programme.

This programme's research and new product development will increase the proportion of the carcase that can be used for high value-products, creating additional value throughout the sector.

The programme also aims to enhance collaboration between industry and the research community.

About this programme

The programme consists of 8 projects under 3 main groups. They are:

Food Products

• Novel raw materials: seeking to add functionality and value to the raw materials ANZCO produces, either for use in its own products or for sale to other food manufacturers. 
• Novel food products: which is developing new food products for global foodservice customers.
• Intermediate processed foods: which will develop partially processed meat products for use by international food product manufacturers.

Ingredients

• Protein supplements: which will produce a meat based protein supplement ingredient.
• Stocks, broths, extracts and seasoning oils: which uses meaty bones to develop flavouring ingredients for food product manufacturers. 

Healthcare

• Biotissues: which is developing medical and surgical products from low value parts of the animal carcase.
• Bioculture: which produces culture media and other products from animal blood.
• Nutrition: which is investigating the development of products for the health and nutrition markets. 

Outcome Logic Model

• Outcome Logic for ANZCO FoodPlus Programme - November 2015

Outcomes to date

• Early market research has identified opportunities for the development of novel food products from low-value manufacturing beef.
• The programme has identified factors that have an influence on the nature and functionality of raw materials from beef manufacturing.
• Product development work is progressing and it is expected that some products will be commercialised in the next year.

Progress Review Report Audit

• Assurance on FoodPlus use of funding

Check existing import health standards

Before you make a request to MPI for a new import health standard, search existing and draft import health standards to make sure there's not already one published or in development. Also check to see if it's included in a work programme.

• Search all import health standards
• Search all consultations for draft import health standards
• Plant import health standards work programme
• Animal import health standards work programme

Making a new request

To request the development of a new IHS, you'll need to complete the appropriate request form, depending on the type of product or commodity. Each form has instructions for completing and returning.

Animal products, live animals, and germplasm

• Request for development of an import health standard (animal products)
• Request for development of an import health standard (live animals and germplasm)

Country approval and veterinary certificates

If an import health standard exists for the commodity you want to import but the country is not listed in the import health standard, contact the government of the exporting country.

Prioritising work

MPI has to prioritise its work. Sometimes, even though the import process you want to complete is in an existing import health standard, your import request requires work that must be prioritised by the Animal Imports team.

You may be asked to fill out this form:

• Request for animal or animal product work under an existing import health standard

If you have questions about country approval, veterinary certification and prioritising work, email animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz .

Plants, seeds, and forest products

• Request for development of an import health standard (fresh produce, nursery stock, grain for processing, and seed for sowing)
• Request for development of an import health standard (processed plant and forestry products)

Prioritising work

MPI has to prioritise IHS requests when demand is high. Examples of requests include IHS reviews, or the development of a new IHS for plant germplasm (nursery stock and seeds for sowing) by New Zealand domestic industries or importers.

• Check our 2015-2016 prioritisation of plant germplasm (nursery stock and seed) IHS requests

Other items 

• Request for development of an import health standard (non-biological items like vehicles, sea containers, and vessels)

Prioritisation of requests

Requests for import health standards are prioritised to determine which requests will be included on MPI's work programme. Requests are prioritised by assessing:

• importance (criticality to New Zealand)
• strategic fit (with New Zealand government goals)
• net benefit (for New Zealand in the longer term)
• feasibility (of being able to do the work)
• barriers (whether they can be surmounted)
• amount of work expected.

MPI allocates government-funded resources to the top priority import health standard work. After the government-funded resource is exhausted, remaining applicants who have indicated they're willing to consider funding the cost of their application themselves will be approached to see if they would still like to consider this option.

Other applicants will be advised if their request has not been prioritised high enough to be included on the work programme.

Who to contact

If you have questions about requesting an IHS, email info@mpi.govt.nz .

Background to case

A group of kiwifruit growers and post-harvest operators are suing the Crown for what they allege is negligence in allowing the bacterial kiwifruit vine disease Psa-V into the country.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) does not accept the allegations and is defending the litigation. A statement of defence was filed in the High Court on 6 March 2015.

• Read the statement of defence

Summary of defence case

The Ministry acted appropriately in its treatment of Psa-V as a biosecurity threat and acted in accordance with its international obligations and with scientific knowledge available at the time.

MPI did not “let” Psa into the country by allowing pollen imports to New Zealand. Various studies are inconclusive as to exactly how the bacterium entered New Zealand.

There are other reasons MPI is not liable for the claim. MPI argues that there is a statutory immunity from civil proceedings in regard to actions taken under the Biosecurity Act, and that applies to this proceeding. Any liability on the Crown for losses as a result of a biosecurity incursion is covered by a statutory compensation scheme. In the case of Psa-V, a specific assistance scheme was offered after the outbreak in 2010, through which the Government made more than $25 million available to compensate growers. This was matched by a payment by industry, and the fund is administered by an industry-led organisation, Kiwifruit Vine Health.

Find out more

• High Court judgment on plaintiffs’ applications to bring a representative action and use a litigation funder – Ministry of Justice website
• Plaintiffs’ statement of claim and summary of statement of claim – the Kiwifruit Claim website

Information about how the kiwifruit industry has recovered from the Psa outbreak is on page 52 of MPI's Situation and Outlook for the Primary Industries 2015 .

• Download Situation and Outlook for the Primary Industries 2015

Who to contact

If you have questions about this legal action, email  info@mpi.govt.nz .

Last updated: 16 February 20164 March 2015

Last updated: 16 February 201618 March 2015

Last updated: 20 March 2015 

Last updated: 16 February 20162 April 2015

Updated 1817 February 2016

Last updated: 1912 February 2016

A loose pipe under a shipping container in Lower Hutt turned out to have teeth, scales and the potential for a venomous bite, says the Ministry for Primary Industries.

An accredited biosecurity worker had started unloading the container at a MPI-approved quarantine facility at Gracefield on Tuesday when he realised what he had thought was a pipe was actually a snake – thankfully a dead one.

“The snake was jammed half way under the pallet with its mouth wide open and looking up. It attracted quite an audience before it was removed,” says Tony Owen, MPI Team Manager.

“Its head had dried up during the six to eight weeks it took for the container to get here from Thailand, but the body was fresh and felt very supple. It wasn’t a pleasant sight for anyone with a snake phobia.

“The interception demonstrates the different parts of our border biosecurity system are working well,” he says.

“MPI has trained accredited staff on the ground to recognise biosecurity threats with shipping containers and to take appropriate action. 

“In this case, the accredited person did the right thing by segregating and checking the product that was already unloaded, and then ringing MPI.”

Specialist MPI biosecurity staff checked out the site following the call. No more snakes were located.

He says MPI has a team of highly trained quarantine officers and dog teams ready to respond to any snake incursions.

“New Zealand enjoys a much envied status of being snake free.  That’s something we want to keep.”

The intercepted snake has yet to be identified.

Last updated: 19updated: 3 February 2016