Topics

• Customary fishing
• Environment and natural resources
• Fisheries management and planning
• Fisheries stock status
• Fisheries catch limits and quotas
• Global Research Alliance

Building this website

Why we're building a new website and what to expect.

What you need to know

This area (Te Moana o Atawhenua), covers the Fiordland coastal marine area out to 12 nautical miles from Awarua Point to Sandhill Point, excluding the area around the Solander Islands.

All recreational fishing including potting, netting and all other fishing methods is covered by rules.

This page is a summary of daily bag and size limits and closed and restricted areas.

For more information about rules you can:

• download the rules brochure or a printer-friendly version
• get the free NZ Fishing Rules app –  Apple or Android
• send a free text to 9889 with the name of a species – for example "blue cod" or "pāua". You'll be sent legal bag and size limits for that species by return text.

You can also:

• get a rules brochure from MPI offices
• email MPI to be posted the rules brochure .
• read the full rules in the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 2013 – NZ Legislation website

The Ministry for Primary Industries applauds the $10,000 fine handed out in the Manukau District Court to a woman who had admitted possessing and selling illegally imported edible bird nests.

Judge Blackie recently (2 December) declined Stacey Miao Yu's application for a discharge without conviction on 2 charges under the Biosecurity Act 1993. She had earlier pleaded guilty to the charges on 3 July.

MPI seized 500 grams of raw swiftlet bird nests (nearly 50 nests) after raiding Yu's Auckland property in June 2014.

Thought to provide health benefits to those who eat them, raw bird nests are made from the saliva of a species of swiftlet bird. However, they can carry a number of significant avian diseases not found in New Zealand.

"The defense counsel argued Yu was naive about New Zealand's biosecurity rules," says MPI Investigations Manager David Blake.

"MPI countered that by pointing out she had worked for an airline until very recently and her main business involved importing and selling cosmetics and commercially processed bird nests, which can be legally imported.

"In these roles she would have experienced New Zealand's biosecurity processes.

"MPI hopes that the conviction and fine handed down to Ms Yu deters anyone thinking of importing raw bird nest into New Zealand."

MPI has pictures of nests available. They can be requested by emailing media@mpi.govt.

Find a practice near you:

• Auckland and Northland
• Central and southern North Island
• South Island

Read about exporting your cat or dog to Australia

 Auckland and Northland

 Central and southern North Island

 South Island

A newly notified case of Hepatitis A is likely to be linked to the consumption of the Fruzio Mixed Berries product, which is currently the subject of an MPI-directed product recall.

If confirmed, the development would bring the number of people who have contracted Hepatitis A after eating the Fruzio Mixed Berries product to five, says MPI’s director of plant food and environment Peter Thomson.

“MPI was alerted to the case yesterday evening, following an investigation by the Ministry of Health and Environmental Science and Research (ESR).

“In the new case, the person ate the berries in late October and reported symptoms at the beginning of this month. The person was briefly hospitalised for observation, but released the same day.

“The next step is to have the virus tested to see if it is the same strain as that in the four other Hepatitis A cases. The Ministry of Health is working on this now and expects results at the end of this week or early next week.”

Mr Thomson said MPI has an extensive investigation and work programme underway in relation to frozen berries.

“A key focus of this is our continuing forensic examination of the supply chain. Last week we established an increased surveillance programme, including testing imported frozen berries at the border.

“Given the incubation period can be between 15-50 days, it is not unexpected that a new case of Hepatitis A potentially linked to these berries has been notified.

“In the meantime, our advice about all other imported frozen berries stays the same. People should wash their hands before eating and preparing food. Anyone who is concerned should briefly boil any imported frozen berries before eating them, or ensure cooking exceeds 85 degrees Celsius for one minute.

“Elderly persons and those with chronic liver damage should avoid imported frozen berries that have not been heat treated.

People concerned about a potential risk to your health, or the health of others, should seek advice from their medical practitioner, or call the Ministry of Health's Healthline – 0800 61 11 16.

People concerned about the safety of food products should contact the MPI consumer helpline (0800 00 83 33).

Products under recall:

• Fruzio Mixed Berries 1kg and 500g products, which contains strawberries and blackberries
• Fruzio IQF Strawberry 1kg
• Fruzio IQF Blackberry 1kg
• Fruzio IQF 3 Mixed Berry 1kg (blackberries, strawberries and blueberries).

Investigation timeline:

Late October – early November, 2015 – Four people reported getting sick with Hepatitis A.

Friday 20 November, 2015 – Ministry of Health informs MPI of a potential link between the 4 cases of Hepatitis A to consumption of food.

Monday 30 November, 2015 – MPI's investigation progresses to the point where it identifies a risk of Hepatitis A associated with imported frozen berries. MPI issues a statement advising consumers of the risk, and plans to increase its surveillance and testing of imported frozen berries.

Wednesday 2 December, 2015 – MPI institutes testing of imported frozen berries at the border as part of a wider surveillance programme. It continues investigations into the genetic makeup of the virus and an examination of the supply chain.

Thursday 3 December, 2015 – MPI receives new genetic evidence about the virus and a continued examination of the supply chain allows MPI to direct FSL Foods to recall its Fruzio Mixed Berries product.

Friday 4 December, 2015 – FSL Foods chooses to voluntarily recall further products to provide extra assurance to its customers.

Wednesday 9 December 2015 – A newly notified case of Hepatitis A is likely to be linked to the consumption of the Fruzio Mixed Berries product.

NAWAC's role in animal welfare

NAWAC gives the Minister for Primary Industries advice on:

• the welfare of animals in New Zealand
• animal welfare research needs
• legislative proposals
• codes of welfare
• regulations
• traps and devices
• hunting and killing animals in a wild state.

Section 57 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 lists all of NAWAC's functions.

Find out more

• Codes of welfare
• The Animal Welfare Act – NZ Legislation website

NAWAC's work

NAWAC prioritises its work to make the most of its limited resources while improving animal welfare in New Zealand. NAWAC uses a framework to decide which animal welfare issues to address first. The committee updates its work programme every year.

Download NAWAC's prioritisation framework

Download the 2015 work programme

Guidelines

NAWAC has published guidelines explaining how the committee works. It updates the guidelines regularly to reflect the experiences gained during NAWAC's deliberations.

These guidelines are not a legal interpretation of the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

1. Approach to the consideration of draft codes of welfare
2. Dealing with practices which might be inconsistent with the spirit of the Animal Welfare Act
3. Setting minimum standards where section 73(3) applies
4. Process for the development of codes of welfare
5. Role of science in setting animal welfare standards
6. Wider issues relevant to setting minimum standards
7. Taking account of society’s ethical values, technical viewpoints and public opinion
8. Balancing animal welfare needs
9. Assessing the welfare performance of restraining and kill traps
10. Phasing out one animal management system in favour of another
11. Principles of consultation
12. Prioritisation framework

Meetings

NAWAC holds 4 ordinary meetings a year. Summaries from the meetings are published on this website, or you can request copies – email nawac@mpi.govt.nz .

• 4 November 2015
• 5 August 2015
• 20 May 2015
• 10 March 2015
• 5 November 2014
• 6 August 2014
• 14 May 2014

Annual Reports

NAWAC produces an annual report which covers all of its operations for the year, including work on codes of welfare and regulations, and updates on research.

Download the latest NAWAC annual report

• Browse for older annual reports

Membership of NAWAC

NAWAC is made up of a chairperson, the chairperson of the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee, and up to 9 other members. The Animal Welfare Act 1999 lays out requirements for membership. Members are chosen for their expertise and need a range of knowledge and experience including:

• veterinary science
• agricultural science
• animal science
• commercial use of animals
• care, breeding and management of companion animals
• ethical standards and conduct in respect of animals
• animal welfare advocacy
• understanding of the public's interest in animals
• environmental and conservation management.

Find out who is on the committee

Vacancies

Members can be nominated by a relevant organisation but do not represent the nominating organisation on the committee. Any vacancies on the committee are also advertised on this website and the Government's jobs website.

• Browse MPI's current vacancies and register for email alerts
• Search for governance board vacancies on Jobs.govt.nz

Who to contact

If you have questions about the committee, email nawac@mpi.govt.nz .

The challenge

The New Zealand avocado industry’s biggest challenge is low and irregular bearing of fruit, which creates inconsistencies with supply of avocados for sale domestically and for export.

Another challenge is New Zealand’s reliance on a single export market—Australia.

The solution

The programme intends to deliver best practice across the value chain, transferred through a network of innovation leaders, rural professionals and growers to achieve widespread adoption, driven by examples of success.

The programme will have a strong focus on knowledge sharing across the avocado industry and will develop an information portal to strengthen the flow of information and assist in increasing the performance and efficiency of the avocado supply chain.  It will also enable the industry to benchmark their performance.

The programme aims to place New Zealand’s avocado industry in a position to respond to the domestic demand for premium, safe, and healthy produce, but also position New Zealand as the avocado supplier of choice in Asian markets by gaining an early foothold, and a “first mover” advantage in those markets.

This will be assisted by a unified marketing strategy, based on market research undertaken as part of the programme, which creates a point of difference for New Zealand avocados.

The avocado industry will be transformed to an efficient, well-informed, and highly capable industry, supplying premium health food to a number of high-value markets domestically and internationally.

Outcome Logic Model

• Outcome Logic Model - July 2014

The challenge

New Zealand's venison industry very much relies on markets where demand is seasonal, and not in sync with our venison supply.

On farm, there is a need to integrate new technologies and processes into farming practices to improve productivity and better respond to market demands.

The solution

This programme brings together producers, processors and marketers – who together represent 95% of the industry. The programme will work to position New Zealand venison as a premium non-seasonal meat in new markets. Participants will also help producers deliver what consumers demand, when they want it, by adopting new systems and technologies.

Market research will be done to better understand what motivates customers to buy premium red meat. This will inform a national farming quality assurance scheme, and production and processing standards. The collaborative approach by processing and marketing companies will allow for the development and positioning of common brand values for New Zealand venison in new markets.

Through technology packaging and knowledge sharing, venison producers will be able to access the information and expertise necessary to lift on-farm performance and respond to consumer demands.

As a result of this programme, the venison industry will see collaboration at all levels of the value chain to deliver greater productivity and profitability in the future.

Outcome Logic Model

Outcome Logic Model for Passion2Profit - August 2015

The challenge

New Zealand lamb is recognised internationally for its high quality, but it is sold as a protein food.

What if we could transform it into a sought-after natural health food product that delivers greater value to producers and processors in New Zealand, while meeting growing consumer demand for premium, healthy food?

The solution

This programme aims to differentiate New Zealand lamb and ultimately improve returns for all farmers.

The programme will build on initial science breakthroughs to improve the nutrient profile of lamb and develop consumer demanded products for new and existing markets.

It will also progress the initial science behind the ability to produce the high-health lamb, and cost-effectively produce it on-farm.

Market insights will then drive product innovation to develop new fresh, processed and health products, as well as determine the most lucrative markets.

Alongside this there will be a focus on integration across the value chain to ensure there is a connection with producers, processors and consumers.

Outcome Logic Model

• Outcome logic model for Targeting New Wealth with High Health - November 2015

MPI publishes provisional IHSs for 10 days to give authorised people a chance to ask for an independent review under section 24 of the Biosecurity Act 1993. 

Learn more about how IHSs are developed

Read past consultation documents

What PGP will achieve

The PGP aims to:

• boost productivity, value and profitability in the primary sector
• deliver long-term economic growth and sustainability across primary industries, from producer to consumer
• encourage more private investment in research and development in New Zealand.

The PGP is a prime example of how MPI is helping primary industries to reach their maximum potential and to work towards goals like doubling the value of exports by 2025.

Read more about PGP and each programme

A recent report by New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) shows that the PGP could add up to $6.4 billion to New Zealand’s GDP from 2025, with the possibility of a further $4.7 billion if the aspirational stretch of programmes is realised, the innovations are taken up widely, and all the research and development is successful.

Read the NZIER report on the potential benefits of the PGP

Who and what PGP covers

PGP programmes cover the breadth of the primary industries: wool, dairy, fishing and aquaculture, meat, pastoral, bee keeping, forestry, wine, viticulture, and horticulture.

Programmes include focusing on areas like:

• education and skills development
• research and development
• product development
• commercial development
• technology transfer.

Download the 2014-2015 Annual Report

Current programmes

Around $724 million of government and industry funding has been committed to 20 PGP programmes to date, over their lifetime.

PGP committed investment ($ million) over time by sector (July 2015)

PGP funding arrangements

Government funding is released in stages after invoices are received for the work undertaken by contracted programmes.

As at 30 November31 October 2015, total government funding paid to programmes underway was $170.7$165 million.

Governance, monitoring, assurance, and evaluation

Good governance, monitoring, assurance, and evaluation are important to protect all the interests in the PGP.

Read more on Primary Growth Partnership – Governance, monitoring and assurance

Investment Advisory Panel

Decisions on PGP investment are made by the Director-General of the Ministry for Primary Industries, supported by advice from the Investment Advisory Panel.

The independent panel is an advisory group of up to 6 representatives, chaired by Joanna Perry. It's responsible for assessing PGP proposals, and advising MPI on PGP investment decisions. It also gives advice to MPI on the monitoring of contracted programmes.

Read more about the Investment Advisory Panel

How to apply

The success of the PGP is dependent on industry groups coming up with ideas and being willing to back them with co-funding.

View the eligibility, application process and other resources to help you with your application

Who to contact

If you have questions about the PGP, email pgp@mpi.govt.nz .

Find out more:

• Cabinet paper for Primary Growth Partnership
• Cabinet minute (09) 17/11 Primary Growth Partnership

The risks

Unwanted pests and diseases (organisms) can damage New Zealand's economy, environment and way of life.

Economy

They can weaken earning potential and introduce new costs by:

• reducing the health and productivity of commercial animals or plants
• limiting New Zealand's access to export markets
• degrading wilderness areas so they're less attractive to tourists
• requiring costly control programmes.

Environment

They can endanger native species and upset delicate ecosystems by:

• competing for food and water
• feeding on native plants or animals
• causing outbreaks of disease
• clogging waterways or causing land erosion.

Way of life

They can change things New Zealanders take for granted by:

• stopping us from moving freely around the country (travel restrictions)
• destroying wilderness areas
• spoiling our waterways
• reducing animal, plant and fishing stocks.

Pests can also attack humans or infest homes, while some diseases can transfer to people.

Report a suspected pest or disease

Types of pests and diseases

Biosecurity threats come in many forms:

• Plants can overrun crops, native forests, waterways and marine environments.
• Bugs and parasites can attack people, animals or plants, and spread disease.
• Larger animals can feed on native species and spread disease. They can also severely damage and modify soils, landscapes and seascapes.
• Saltwater invaders can interfere with wild species.
• Pathogens make people, plants or animals sick, or can kill them.

Search the unwanted organisms register

Protecting New Zealand

New Zealand's biosecurity system has 3 interlocking layers of protection.

1. Pre-border – before cargo departs for New Zealand

Regulations and offshore inspections help minimise the risk of unwanted arrivals.

• Some items are banned from coming to New Zealand.
• Others must be treated before coming here.
• MPI inspects overseas loading facilities and some cargo before it's shipped.

2. At New Zealand's border

New Zealand's airports, seaports and transitional facilities are closely monitored.

Travel

• Passengers fill out biosecurity declaration cards.
• Detector dogs are used to identify risk goods on people and in luggage.
• High-risk or suspicious items are x-rayed.

Cargo

• Accredited persons check cargo at transitional facilities.
• Suspect containers or packages are treated for pests.

3. Post-border – within New Zealand

We're always watching for new pests or diseases and preparing to handle an outbreak.

• New Zealanders report more than 10,000 suspected pests and diseases every year.
• Of these, about 750 lead to a formal investigation.
• Every commercially slaughtered animal is inspected for disease.
• 13 surveillance programmes watch for specific risks.
• A network of labs provide world-class diagnostic testing.

Learn about New Zealand's surveillance programmes

If there's an emergency outbreak of pests or diseases, 150 organisations and 55,000 people are ready to respond through the National Biosecurity Capability Network.

• Find out about the National Biosecurity Capability Network – AsureQuality website

Who to contact

If you have questions about information on this page, email info@mpi.govt.nz.

Everyday New Zealanders

Whether you live here or are visiting our country, call 0800 80 99 66 if you suspect you've seen any of these, on land or in water:

• an animal pest
• a plant pest
• signs of plant or animal disease.

Scientists

Call 0800 80 99 66 or use these forms to submit a formal report:

• Animal diseases (specimen submission)
• Plant pests or diseases

Vets and farmers – TSE surveillance

Incentives are available for vets and farmers who take part in New Zealand's transmissible spongiform encephalitis (TSE) surveillance programme. Submit samples to help support our TSE-free status.

Take part in TSE surveillance

Cargo and baggage handlers

Keep watch for signs of infestations when dealing with shipments from overseas. If you see something – contain it, then report it by calling 0800 80 99 66.

See, Contain, Report – what to do if you see signs of pests or contaminants

Legal obligations

New Zealanders are expected to report unusual organisms under Sections 44 and 46 of the Biosecurity Act.

• Section 44 of the Biosecurity Act – New Zealand Legislation website
• Section 46 of the Biosecurity Act – New Zealand Legislation website

If in any doubt, call our pest-and-disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

Everyday New Zealanders

Whether you live here or are visiting our country, call 0800 80 99 66 if you suspect you've seen any of these, on land or in water:

• an animal pest
• a plant pest
• signs of plant or animal disease.

Scientists

Call 0800 80 99 66 or use these forms to submit a formal report:

• Animal diseases (specimen submission)
• Plant pests or diseases

Vets and farmers – TSE surveillance

Incentives are available for vets and farmers who take part in New Zealand's transmissible spongiform encephalitis (TSE) surveillance programme. Submit samples to help support our TSE-free status.

Take part in TSE surveillance

Cargo and baggage handlers

Keep watch for signs of infestations when dealing with shipments from overseas. If you see something – contain it, then report it by calling 0800 80 99 66.

See, Contain, Report – what to do if you see signs of pests or contaminants

Legal obligations

New Zealanders are expected to report unusual organisms under Sections 44 and 46 of the Biosecurity Act.

• Section 44 of the Biosecurity Act – New Zealand Legislation website
• Section 46 of the Biosecurity Act – New Zealand Legislation website

If in any doubt, call our pest-and-disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

Pests and diseases

Search organisms that can affect plant, animal or human health.

Unwanted organisms

Pests and diseases that could harm New Zealand if they arrived.

Notifiable organisms – NZ Legislation website

Pests and diseases that must be reported to MPI, if spotted in New Zealand.

Absence of specified animal diseases from New Zealand

Animal diseases that are declared absent from New Zealand.

Country freedom list

Plant pests that are declared absent from New Zealand.

MPI identification service providers

Find an MPI-approved lab for identifying suspected pests or diseases.

Topics

We're still working on this section of the new website. When complete, it will explain MPI's work protecting and caring for the environment. In the meantime, you'll find relevant information on these pages:

• Climate change
• ETS
• Fresh water
• Land and soils
• Marine environment and fisheries
• Customary fishing
• Future requirements for soil management in New Zealand - a summary
• Future requirements for soil management in New Zealand - main report

Review to examine all cost recovery activities

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) recovers the cost of providing our services from individuals and industry. Most of these fees are set out in regulations or rules. The First Principles Review of Cost Recovery Arrangements will examine all the Ministry’s existing cost recovery activities.

Objectives of the review

• Provide a clear description of the principles and policy considerations that will guide MPI's approach to cost recovery and how they will be applied.
• Align MPI’s approach with available best practice guidance issued by the Treasury and the Office of the Auditor-General and consider approaches taken by other government agencies.
• Improve transparency of the basis for determining where fees, charges and levies will be imposed and the levels at which they will be set.
• Enable greater harmonisation of arrangements across all of MPI's cost recovery activities.
• Improve communication, collaboration and certainty for fee payers of the frequency, timing and process for review and update of fees, charges and levies.
• Enhance transparency of costs and service performance for fee payers.

Terms of Reference

Download the Terms of Reference for the review

Who to contact

If you have questions about the review, email costrecovery@mpi.govt.nz .