MPI Verification Services (VS) 

VS official veterinarians (authorised and/or recognised persons under the Animal Products Act 1999) are located near the main airports or ports. As authorised persons they issue official assurances (in the form of MPI export certificates). As recognised persons, they may also issue eligibility documents for all animal species (excluding bees) and germplasm.

AsureQuality Limited (AQ) 

AsureQuality official veterinarians (recognised persons under the Animal Products Act 1999) can perform a number of functions supporting eligibility for export but they cannot sign official assurances (in the form of MPI export certificates). These functions are:

• issuing eligibility documents for all animal species and germplasm
• verifying and other activities for export requirements of live animals and germplasm, as required by the Animal Products Act 1999
• verifying export requirements for live animals and germplasm.

List of AQ official veterinarians

AsureQuality recognised persons list

List of VS official veterinarians:

Note : Any after-hours services need to be arranged with VS official veterinarians ahead of time.

Publication of register

MPI publishes this information to meet the requirements of section 112S of the Animal Products Act 1999.

• Animal Products Act 1999 - NZ Legislation website

Twenty-four new biosecurity detector dog teams (dog and handler) graduated from their training today – the biggest ever boost to the Ministry for Primary Industries’ sniffing force for stopping dangerous pests from entering New Zealand.

“The new dog teams will give us capacity to screen all arriving international flights for biosecurity risk goods,” says Steve Gilbert, MPI Border Clearance Services Director.  

“They will also ensure we can make greater use of dog teams to greet international cruise ship passengers at regional ports.

“This is the largest number of dog teams to graduate at the same time in the history of MPI or its predecessors – so it is a significant day.”

The dog handlers are among 57 frontline biosecurity staff who graduated at the ceremony at the Vodafone Event Centre in Manukau. 

The ceremony included a demonstration of MPI’s new mobile x-ray machine for scanning hand baggage carried by cruise ship passengers visiting regional ports.

“The new staff, dogs  and x-ray equipment are part of a MPI biosecurity ramp-up to cope with increasing passenger numbers and the heightened threat of fruit fly-host material arriving in New Zealand,” says Mr Gilbert.

“It’s been a big year for us on the biosecurity frontline following the government’s decision to increase biosecurity funding in its 2015 budget.

 “We have employed nearly 90 new staff and have purchased six new x-ray machines for inspecting baggage, including the mobile equipment.

“There have also been moves to improve our targeting of passengers that pose the highest level of biosecurity risk.

“Although you can never totally eliminate the risk of an unwanted pest or disease entering New Zealand, we feel our border biosecurity defences are in good shape to deal with what is going to be a very busy summer.”

Background

The brown marmorated stink bug has spread to the United States and Europe from Asia. It's not established in New Zealand but it's a sneaky pest that we've caught at the border many times, hitchhiking on passengers and in imported goods.

So far we've managed to stop it settling here.

They’re hard to see, hard to kill and they breed fast.

Risk to New Zealand

These bugs could be a damaging economic pest and a significant household nuisance.

Crops and gardens could be devastated

Known to feed heavily on a wide variety of plant species, stink bugs would attack grapes, kiwifruit, apples, citrus and stone fruit, corn and many other valuable crops.

Homes could be infested

Over winter, bugs gather in large numbers in homes, where they're an unsightly and smelly nuisance. They cannot be easily treated with insecticides and they emit a pungent odour when squashed, making them hard to remove.

Where in New Zealand?

Able to thrive in cool climates, brown marmorated stink bugs are a threat up and down the country.

What's being done?

MPI has developed new import regulations to provide extra protection against this bug.

• Vehicles and machinery from the USA must now be heat-treated or fumigated with methyl bromide before coming to New Zealand
• New import standards are being developed for all vehicles, machinery and tyres from all countries

Ready to respond

Brown marmorated stink bugs spread fast, so we'll need to act quickly to get rid of them if they arrive. That can only happen if we spot an invasion as soon as possible. MPI is encouraging all New Zealanders to be on the lookout.

• City horticulturistshorticulturalists and gardeners have been asked to keep watch because bugs that come through airports or seaports would attack their crops first.
• Travellers are reminded to check their luggage on return to New Zealand to make sure they haven't brought the bug with them.
• People importing goods from overseas – including internet shoppers – are also encouraged to check their packages.

MPI is running advertisements and distributing leaflets with pictures of the bug to help home gardeners and the wider public identify it, and urging them to call our pest hotline if they see anything like it.

What you can do

Keep watch for these bugs. If you think you’ve found one – catch it and call us immediately on 0800 80 99 66.

Follow the steps

1. Refer to all the steps for exporting fresh fruit.

As well as the extra requirements on this page, you must also follow the process that applies to all fresh fruit exported from New Zealand.

Follow our step-by-step guide to exporting fresh fruit

2. Contact an Independent Verification Agency (IVA).

You need to use an MPI-authorised Independent Verification Agency (IVA), which can advise you about meeting  compliance requirements such as documentation, tests, or treatments. Fees may apply.

See the list of IVAs and their contact information

3. Follow the programme requirements for your destination apple market.

Official agreements between New Zealand and some export markets aim to make exporting easier or are needed to enable exports. The requirements are set out in Official Assurance Programmes (OAPs) or pre-clearance programmes.

Check the register for your area 

MPI-registered production sites (growers), packhouses, storage facilities, and exporters must be used to get your product to market. The contact details are listed in Registers and lists.

• Registers of growers, packing and storage facilities, and approved inspections

Check the OAP for your destination country

Only registered programme participants and IVAs can access the password-protected OAP documents. To register, email plantexports@mpi.govt.nz.

• Australia
• China
• Japan
• Taiwan
• United States of America (USA)

Australia

Apples exported to Australia must meet the requirements stated in the OAP. These may include activities undertaken by the growers, packers, storage facility operators, and exporters.

• Read the Apples to Australia OAP (password-protected)
• Read the procedure for phytosanitary maturity assessment (password-protected)
• Refer to the Pipfruit NZ website
• Browse the registers of approved growers, packhouses, exporters, and coolstores

China

Apples exported to China must meet the requirements stated in the OAP. These may include activities undertaken by the growers, packers, storage facility operators, and exporters.

• Read the Apples to China OAP (password-protected)
• Read the procedure for phytosanitary maturity assessment (password-protected)
• Read the procedure validating fruit submissions for CP markets (password-protected)
• Read the procedure monitoring growers' compliance to CMSM requirements (password-protected)
• Refer to the Pipfruit NZ website
• Browse the registers of approved production sites, packhouses, exporters, and coolstores

Japan

Apples exported to Japan must meet the requirements stated in the OAP. These may include activities undertaken by the growers, packers, storage facility operators, and exporters.

• Read the Apples to Japan OAP(password-protected)
• Read the procedure monitoring growers' compliance to CMSM requirements(password-protected)
• Refer to the Pipfruit NZ website
• Browse the registers of approved growers, packhouses, exporters, coolstores, and treatment operators

Taiwan

Apples exported to Taiwan must meet the requirements stated in the OAP. These may include activities undertaken by the growers, packers, storage facility operators, and exporters.

• Read the procedure monitoring growers' compliance to CMSM requirements (password-protected)
• Download the MPI Phytosanitary Official Assurance Programme for the Export of Apples to Taiwan 2013-2014 Version 1.0
• Browse the registers of approved production sites, packhouses, exporters, and coolstores

United States of America (USA)

MPI and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) negotiate a voluntary pre-clearance programme (known as a workplan) each year. USA officials are based in New Zealand to inspect fruit in accordance with the workplan. This should result in faster clearance times on arrival.

The requirements of the pre-clearance programme for exporting apples and pears to the USA and the pipfruit pest list for the USA are set out in the workplan and operating guidelines.

• Download the Technical Work Plan for USDA Pre-export Inspection of New Zealand Pipfruit Exported to the United States of America
• Download the Industry Operating Guidelines for the Pipfruit to USA Pre-Clearance Programme
• See the MPI Plant Exports: Commodity Pest List – Pipfruit
• Browse the registers of approved exporters and USDA pipfruit facilities

 4. Check whether you're exporting to a codling moth 'sensitive' market.

Codling moth is categorised as a quarantine pest by some destination countries, which are classed as 'sensitive markets'. You'll be required to provide verification that your produce has been managed for codling moth if you're exporting to one of these sensitive markets:

• China
• Japan
• Taiwan.

• Download the OAP for verification of the on-orchard pest management measures for codling moth ( Cydia pomonella )Cydia pomonella

Sustainable fisheries management

Our work involves making sure fisheries are managed sustainably. We allocate quota and monitor fisheries resources to ensure there are enough fish for now and the future for customary, recreational, and commercial users.

Find out more

Status of fisheries resources

Latest figures report that by international standards, our fisheries are doing well.

Find out more

Fisheries Management System Review

We're reviewing the fisheries management system to ensure it's still fit-for-purpose and maintains sustainable fisheries for current and future generations. And we want your feedback. As part of the review, we're running a survey until Friday 11 December 2015 so you can tell us your views.

• Supporting sustainable fisheries management
• The Fisheries Act and sustainability
• New Zealand's Quota Management System
• Administration of commercial fisheries
• Protection activities
• Recreational fishing
• Customary fishing
• Freshwater fisheries management

Supporting sustainable fisheries management

Much of MPI's work involves making sure fisheries are managed sustainably.

Our activities include:

• setting catch limits and other restrictions like minimum size, and controls on fishing methods to protect vulnerable species and aquatic environments
• administering the Quota Management System
• contracting fisheries research
• monitoring fishing activity
• enforcing fishing rules
• ensuring the needs of all sectors – commercial, recreational, and Māori – are considered
• resource management and planning.

Read about commercial compliance

  Browse a list of fisheries plans

The Fisheries Act 1996 and sustainability

MPI is responsible for administering the Fisheries Act 1996 and its supporting regulations. The Act aims to allow commercial, recreational, and customary fishers access to resources while ensuring fish stocks are managed sustainably. Sustainable catch levels determine how many fish can be harvested.

The Act includes law about:

• the application and administration of the Quota Management System (QMS)
• measures that contribute to the sustainability of fisheries resources and avoiding, remedying or mitigating any adverse effects of fishing on the aquatic environment
• recognition of the Treaty of Waitangi (Fisheries Claims) Settlement Act 1992 and the creation of tools to provide for customary use and fishery management practices
• provisions for allocating the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) between Māori customary non-commercial fishing, recreational, and commercial interests.

Fisheries Act 1996 – NZ Legislation website

New Zealand's Quota Management System

The cornerstone of New Zealand's fisheries management regime is the Quota Management System (QMS), which was introduced in 1986. Under the QMS a yearly catch limit (the total allowable catch) is set for every fish stock. A fish stock is a species of fish, shellfish or seaweed from a particular area of New Zealand waters. By controlling the amount of fish taken from each stock, the QMS helps keep New Zealand fisheries sustainable.

From the total allowable catch, an allowance is made for recreational and customary fishing and other fishing-related mortality, and the remainder is the total allowable commercial catch (TACC). Each year Annual Catch Entitlement (ACE) is generated on the basis of the TACC and issued to holders of quota. All commercial fishers must obtain ACE to cover the QMS fish they catch in a fishing year.

Quota allocations encourage sustainable fishing

Quota is allocated when a new species is brought into the QMS. Allocating quota to fishers encourages them to make sure their catch levels are sustainable because they are guaranteed a permanent share of the fishery in the future.

By law, catch limits for every fish stock have to be set at levels that ensure their long-term sustainability. MPI rigorously monitors the amount of fish caught against these limits and financial penalties apply to commercial fishers who catch in excess of their limits in any one year.

The QMS has delivered significant benefits – most of the stocks that were over-fished before the introduction of the QMS, now have sustainable catch limits in place.

Find out more about the QMS

Other controls

Other measures used to sustainably manage fisheries include:

• size limits – to help ensure there are enough sexually mature individuals among populations
• area restrictions – to protect important nursery or juvenile areas, or to deal with pockets of depleted stocks
• controls on fishing methods
• restrictions based on sex (for example, egg-laden females) or certain biological states.

Administration of commercial fisheries

Anyone taking fish for sale must hold a commercial fishing permit. Permits can be issued for between 1 and 5 years.

The amount of fish that can legally be harvested by permit holders depends on the amount of Annual Catch Entitlement (ACE) they hold or obtain.

Find out more about ACEs

View a map of commercial fishing — all methods

View a map of commercial fishing — trawl

Valuable right carries obligations

The right to fish commercially is a valuable right.  In return for this right commercial fishers are obliged to:

• Fish from a registered fishing vessel.
• Keep records of catch, effort and landings.
• Report regularly to MPI on their catch, effort and landings.
• Not discard or abandon QMS fish in the sea (with limited exceptions).
• Land catch to approved licensed fish receivers (LFR) (with limited exceptions).

Commercial fishers who fail to meet these obligations risk prosecution.

MPI is required to keep a fishing permit register.  This register is a public register for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1993, is held electronically and is open for inspection. Maintenance of the register is managed by Commercial Fisheries Services Limited (FishServe).

Go to the FishServe website

Read more about permits on the FishServe website

Protection activities

MPI invests heavily in monitoring fishing activity and in encouraging and enforcing compliance with the law. Fishery officers patrol New Zealand's coastline to ensure all fishers comply with the rules. Fishing vessels are also monitored at sea using satellite technology, aircraft, and patrol boats to ensure their crews follow the rules. In addition, MPI observers are often placed on fishing boats to monitor and record what fishers catch, and any interactions with seabirds, marine mammals, or protected corals.

With the help of the New Zealand Defence Forces, MPI also works to maintain the integrity of the New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone. High seas patrols are done periodically to inspect vessels that fish in the vicinity of our waters.

Another priority for MPI is ensuring the effects of fishing on marine environments are kept within acceptable levels. Regulations and industry agreements are set to reduce the impact of fishing on protected species such as the New Zealand sea lion, fur seals, and seabirds. Restrictions are also in place to protect Hector's and Māui's dolphins – the world's smallest and rarest dolphins. These measures are all monitored by MPI.

View a map of New Zealand's protected areas

Learn more about MPI fishery protection activities

Recreational fishing

MPI is responsible for setting and enforcing recreational fishing rules. These rules help keep fisheries sustainable, ensuring they can be enjoyed by future generations.

Recreational fishing rules differ depending on fishing location. All rules are set out in the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 2013. The regulations cover:

• bag and catch limits
• minimum sizes
• potting and netting methods
• equipment
• restricted and closed areas.

View a map of recreational fishing areas (amateur and charter fishing vessels)

Check the fishing rules

Customary fishing

Fisheries are a traditional source of economic and cultural wealth for iwi and hapū.  Being able to provide fish or shellfish to feed whānau (family) or manuhiri (guests) has always been part of the cultural heritage of tangata whenua, or "people of the land".

View a map of customary fisheries management areas

The Kaimoana Customary Fishing Regulations 1998 and the Fisheries (South Island Customary Fishing) Regulations 1999 recognise the role of tangata whenua in managing their customary fisheries.

These regulations let iwi and hapū manage their non-commercial fishing in a way that best fits their local practices, without having a major effect on the fishing rights of others. When the government sets the total catch limits for fisheries each year, it allows for this customary use of fisheries.

Refer to information about customary rights

Find out more about Māori customary fishing

Freshwater fisheries management

The freshwater fisheries management regime in New Zealand is complex. Regulatory responsibilities overlap between different agencies. There is very little commercial fishing for wild freshwater species managed under the Fisheries Act with the exception of eels.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has responsibilities under the Conservation Act 1987 to manage whitebait, and control access to waterways administered in DOC-administered public lands. DOC also administers the Freshwater Fisheries Regulations 1983, which has provisions relating to indigenous fish, noxious fish, and waterways. These regulations also set out the licensing system for freshwater sports fishing. This system is managed by Fish and Game councils.

Freshwater management – DOC website

Freshwater fishing regulations – Fish and Game website

Find out more

• The aquaculture industry
• High seas fishing
• Fisheries Management System Review

Pulse check

New Zealand's fisheries management system is sound. Scientific assessments show that overall New Zealand's fisheries are doing well.

However, the system's key building blocks – the Fisheries Act and the Quota Management System – have been in place for 20 and 30 years respectively. Technology has advanced and society's expectations of how fisheries management should operate have changed over that time, giving us an opportunity to review the system. We want to ensure it continues to deliver for all users.

• What's covered by the review
• What's not in the review
• MPI initiatives underway
• We want you to have your say

What's covered by the review

This review gives us a chance to think more broadly about our key processes, regulatory and legislative settings.

We'll be considering the changing needs and expectations of the people who use New Zealand's fisheries to ensure our systems are best focused to sustainably deliver on those needs.

Geographic coverage

The area includes the New Zealand coastline (territorial sea) and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), as well as freshwater fisheries, such as eel and mullet. The focus is on wild catch fish species and shellfish.

Look at a map of the EEZ area

Learn more about the current status of our fisheries

Five themes

There are 5 themes to the review of the fisheries management system. These are about how to future-proof the system to ensure:

• sustainability
• benefits for all New Zealanders
• decision-making processes
• monitoring and enforcement
• responding effectively to future challenges.

Read a summary about what these themes mean

What's not in the review

The review focuses on enhancing the fisheries management system that we currently have. These core elements of the system will not be changed:

• sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources as set out in Section 8 of the Fisheries Act
• the QMS tools (quota and annual catch entitlements)
• the rights of commercial quota ownership
• the Crown's obligations under Treaty settlements
• the rights and interests of tangata whenua, and customary management.
• the right to fish for recreation.

The areas and fisheries not included are the high seas beyond New Zealand's EEZ.

MPI initiatives underway

The review also recognises the range of initiatives already underway to respond to identified needs in the fisheries management system.

Read about fishery management initiatives underway

BeforeWe're still at the beginning of this process – we canhaven't developed proposals yet and nothing has been decided. We need to understand the issues first and develop proposals that sustainably deliver for everyone, we need to understand the issues.everyone.

Feedback was sought fromTo do this, we'll be seeking the views of everyone with an interest in our fisheries.

As well as an online questionnaire, we ran drop-in information sessions and met with interested groups. MPI fisheries experts were available to answer questions and questionnaires could be completed at the venues.

Read about where As part of this process we'll be reaching out to the public in October. There will be drop-in information sessions were heldand a questionnaire available to complete until 5pm, Friday 11 December 2015.

Find out how to have your say

What happens next

From your feedback, we'll produce a report –  What we heard – forfor the Minister for Primary Industries early in 2016 for his consideration.2016.

Once we've finalised our proposals, everyone will then have a chance to comment through a formal consultation process in mid-2016.

Any changes to the system as a result of this review are likely to be made in 2017.

Who to contact

If you have questions about this review, email: fisheries.review@mpi.govt.nz .

About the EPIC challenge

The EPIC challenge is a competition managed by the Young Enterprise Trust and sponsored by MPI and DairyNZ. The aim of the challenge is to raise awareness of the exciting range of careers in our primary industries, such as:

• farmers and farm managers
• engineers and scientists
• environmental planners and resource managers
• product developers
• trade officials and marketing consultants.

Find more job ideas on the:

• Get Ahead website
• Careers New Zealand website

Who can enter

The competition is open to Year 10 students in New Zealand. They have to identify different jobs in the primary industries and develop a marketing strategy to promote them to their classmates.

2015 EPIC challenge

The winner was announcedentries for the 2015 EPIC challenge close on 10 December23 November 2015. Congratulations to students from Palmerston North Girls' High School. The winning entry included posters withMore information on becoming a beef manager, dairy farmerabout the competition, and beekeeper,how you and a promotional video.your school can get involved, is on the Young Enterprise Trust's website.

2014 EPIC challenge winners

In 2014, there were 121 entries for the EPIC challenge from 117 schools throughout New Zealand. The winning entry was by 3 students from Huanui College in Whangārei. Their video, Bee in the Scene, highlights the importance of the bee industry to New Zealand and the range of careers available – from beekeeping through to microbiology and horticulture.

Watch the winning entry on Young Enterprise NZ's YouTube channel

The winning students were presented with a trophy at parliament by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.

• Read the Minister's media release

Huanui College also came first in the dairy category of the competition, with their winning entry created to show students the many and varied careers in New Zealand's dairy industry.

Why the primary industries need more people

The EPIC challenge was launched in May 2014 as part of a range of initiatives to attract talented young people to work in the primary industries. MPI’s report on the future workforce needs of the primary sector found an extra 50,000 workers will be required by 2025. Over half of these workers will need a Level 4 or above qualification on the New Zealand curriculum framework.

Qualifications are needed across a range of disciplines to ensure we have more diverse and highly skilled technologically savvy people in the primary industries.  

The higher level of skill and increased diversity will allow New Zealand to increase its sustainable production, better protect and manage our resources, and deliver a great range of high value products to national and international markets.

Ensuring that young people develop an understanding of the importance and changing nature of the primary industries in New Zealand, and view careers in the primary industries as an exciting option for them, is going to be an important part of meeting these future skill needs.

Find out more

• Overview report: People Powered
• Full report: Future Capability Needs for Primary Industries in New Zealand

Who to contact

If you have questions about sponsorships or careers, email info@mpi.govt.nz .

We're still working on this section of the new website. When complete, it will describe the laboratory facilities we useContent to test suspected pests or diseases. In the meantime, you'll find relevant information on these pages:come

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 5, 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 4 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 to 5015-50 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).

Read the recall issued for Fruzio frozen berries (4 December 2015) on the Food Safety website

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.

MPI Verification Services (VS) 

VS official veterinarians (authorised and/or recognised persons under the Animal Products Act 1999) are located near the main airports or ports. As authorised persons they issue official assurances (in the form of MPI export certificates). As recognised persons, they may also issue eligibility documents for all animal species (excluding bees) and germplasm.

AsureQuality Limited (AQ) 

AsureQuality official veterinarians (recognised persons under the Animal Products Act 1999) can perform a number of functions supporting eligibility for export but they cannot sign official assurances (in the form of MPI export certificates). These functions are:

• issuing eligibility documents for all animal species and germplasm
• verifying and other activities for export requirements of live animals and germplasm, as required by the Animal Products Act 1999
• verifying export requirements for live animals and germplasm.

List of AQ official veterinarians

AsureQuality recognised persons list

List of VS official veterinarians:

Note : Any after-hours services need to be arranged with VS official veterinarians ahead of time.

Publication of register

MPI publishes this information to meet the requirements of section 112S of the Animal Products Act 1999.

• Animal Products Act 1999 - NZ Legislation website

Background

The brown marmorated stink bug has spread to the United States and Europe from Asia. It's not established in New Zealand but it's a sneaky pest that we've caught at the border many times, hitchhiking on passengers and in imported goods.

So far we've managed to stop it settling here.

They’re hard to see, hard to kill and they breed fast.

Risk to New Zealand

These bugs could be a damaging economic pest and a significant household nuisance.

Crops and gardens could be devastated

Known to feed heavily on a wide variety of plant species, stink bugs would attack grapes, kiwifruit, apples, citrus and stone fruit, corn and many other valuable crops.

Homes could be infested

Over winter, bugs gather in large numbers in homes, where they're an unsightly and smelly nuisance. They cannot be easily treated with insecticides and they emit a pungent odour when squashed, making them hard to remove.

Where in New Zealand?

Able to thrive in cool climates, brown marmorated stink bugs are a threat up and down the country.

What's being done?

MPI has developed new import regulations to provide extra protection against this bug.

• Vehicles and machinery from the USA must now be heat-treated or fumigated with methyl bromide before coming to New Zealand
• New import standards are being developed for all vehicles, machinery and tyres from all countries

Ready to respond

Brown marmorated stink bugs spread fast, so we'll need to act quickly to get rid of them if they arrive. That can only happen if we spot an invasion as soon as possible. MPI is encouraging all New Zealanders to be on the lookout.

• City horticulturistshorticulturalists and gardeners have been asked to keep watch because bugs that come through airports or seaports would attack their crops first.
• Travellers are reminded to check their luggage on return to New Zealand to make sure they haven't brought the bug with them.
• People importing goods from overseas – including internet shoppers – are also encouraged to check their packages.

MPI is running advertisements and distributing leaflets with pictures of the bug to help home gardeners and the wider public identify it, and urging them to call our pest hotline if they see anything like it.

What you can do

Keep watch for these bugs. If you think you’ve found one – catch it and call us immediately on 0800 80 99 66.

Follow the steps

1. Refer to all the steps for exporting fresh fruit.

As well as the extra requirements on this page, you must also follow the process that applies to all fresh fruit exported from New Zealand.

Follow our step-by-step guide to exporting fresh fruit

2. Contact an Independent Verification Agency (IVA).

You need to use an MPI-authorised Independent Verification Agency (IVA), which can advise you about meeting  compliance requirements such as documentation, tests, or treatments. Fees may apply.

See the list of IVAs and their contact information

3. Follow the programme requirements for your destination apple market.

Official agreements between New Zealand and some export markets aim to make exporting easier or are needed to enable exports. The requirements are set out in Official Assurance Programmes (OAPs) or pre-clearance programmes.

Check the register for your area 

MPI-registered production sites (growers), packhouses, storage facilities, and exporters must be used to get your product to market. The contact details are listed in Registers and lists.

• Registers of growers, packing and storage facilities, and approved inspections

Check the OAP for your destination country

Only registered programme participants and IVAs can access the password-protected OAP documents. To register, email plantexports@mpi.govt.nz.

• Australia
• China
• Japan
• Taiwan
• United States of America (USA)

Australia

Apples exported to Australia must meet the requirements stated in the OAP. These may include activities undertaken by the growers, packers, storage facility operators, and exporters.

• Read the Apples to Australia OAP (password-protected)
• Read the procedure for phytosanitary maturity assessment (password-protected)
• Refer to the Pipfruit NZ website
• Browse the registers of approved growers, packhouses, exporters, and coolstores

China

Apples exported to China must meet the requirements stated in the OAP. These may include activities undertaken by the growers, packers, storage facility operators, and exporters.

• Read the Apples to China OAP (password-protected)
• Read the procedure for phytosanitary maturity assessment (password-protected)
• Read the procedure validating fruit submissions for CP markets (password-protected)
• Read the procedure monitoring growers' compliance to CMSM requirements (password-protected)
• Refer to the Pipfruit NZ website
• Browse the registers of approved production sites, packhouses, exporters, and coolstores

Japan

Apples exported to Japan must meet the requirements stated in the OAP. These may include activities undertaken by the growers, packers, storage facility operators, and exporters.

• Read the Apples to Japan OAP(password-protected)
• Read the procedure monitoring growers' compliance to CMSM requirements(password-protected)
• Refer to the Pipfruit NZ website
• Browse the registers of approved growers, packhouses, exporters, coolstores, and treatment operators

Taiwan

Apples exported to Taiwan must meet the requirements stated in the OAP. These may include activities undertaken by the growers, packers, storage facility operators, and exporters.

• Read the procedure monitoring growers' compliance to CMSM requirements (password-protected)
• Download the MPI Phytosanitary Official Assurance Programme for the Export of Apples to Taiwan 2013-2014 Version 1.0
• Browse the registers of approved production sites, packhouses, exporters, and coolstores

United States of America (USA)

MPI and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) negotiate a voluntary pre-clearance programme (known as a workplan) each year. USA officials are based in New Zealand to inspect fruit in accordance with the workplan. This should result in faster clearance times on arrival.

The requirements of the pre-clearance programme for exporting apples and pears to the USA and the pipfruit pest list for the USA are set out in the workplan and operating guidelines.

• Download the Technical Work Plan for USDA Pre-export Inspection of New Zealand Pipfruit Exported to the United States of America
• Download the Industry Operating Guidelines for the Pipfruit to USA Pre-Clearance Programme
• See the MPI Plant Exports: Commodity Pest List – Pipfruit
• Browse the registers of approved exporters and USDA pipfruit facilities

 4. Check whether you're exporting to a codling moth 'sensitive' market.

Codling moth is categorised as a quarantine pest by some destination countries, which are classed as 'sensitive markets'. You'll be required to provide verification that your produce has been managed for codling moth if you're exporting to one of these sensitive markets:

• China
• Japan
• Taiwan.

• Download the OAP for verification of the on-orchard pest management measures for codling moth ( Cydia pomonella )Cydia pomonella

Sustainable fisheries management

Our work involves making sure fisheries are managed sustainably. We allocate quota and monitor fisheries resources to ensure there are enough fish for now and the future for customary, recreational, and commercial users.

Find out more

Status of fisheries resources

Latest figures report that by international standards, our fisheries are doing well.

Find out more

Fisheries Management System Review

We're reviewing the fisheries management system to ensure it's still fit-for-purpose and maintains sustainable fisheries for current and future generations. And we want your feedback. As part of the review, we're running a survey until Friday 11 December 2015 so you can tell us your views.

• Supporting sustainable fisheries management
• The Fisheries Act and sustainability
• New Zealand's Quota Management System
• Administration of commercial fisheries
• Protection activities
• Recreational fishing
• Customary fishing
• Freshwater fisheries management

Supporting sustainable fisheries management

Much of MPI's work involves making sure fisheries are managed sustainably.

Our activities include:

• setting catch limits and other restrictions like minimum size, and controls on fishing methods to protect vulnerable species and aquatic environments
• administering the Quota Management System
• contracting fisheries research
• monitoring fishing activity
• enforcing fishing rules
• ensuring the needs of all sectors – commercial, recreational, and Māori – are considered
• resource management and planning.

Read about commercial compliance

  Browse a list of fisheries plans

The Fisheries Act 1996 and sustainability

MPI is responsible for administering the Fisheries Act 1996 and its supporting regulations. The Act aims to allow commercial, recreational, and customary fishers access to resources while ensuring fish stocks are managed sustainably. Sustainable catch levels determine how many fish can be harvested.

The Act includes law about:

• the application and administration of the Quota Management System (QMS)
• measures that contribute to the sustainability of fisheries resources and avoiding, remedying or mitigating any adverse effects of fishing on the aquatic environment
• recognition of the Treaty of Waitangi (Fisheries Claims) Settlement Act 1992 and the creation of tools to provide for customary use and fishery management practices
• provisions for allocating the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) between Māori customary non-commercial fishing, recreational, and commercial interests.

Fisheries Act 1996 – NZ Legislation website

New Zealand's Quota Management System

The cornerstone of New Zealand's fisheries management regime is the Quota Management System (QMS), which was introduced in 1986. Under the QMS a yearly catch limit (the total allowable catch) is set for every fish stock. A fish stock is a species of fish, shellfish or seaweed from a particular area of New Zealand waters. By controlling the amount of fish taken from each stock, the QMS helps keep New Zealand fisheries sustainable.

From the total allowable catch, an allowance is made for recreational and customary fishing and other fishing-related mortality, and the remainder is the total allowable commercial catch (TACC). Each year Annual Catch Entitlement (ACE) is generated on the basis of the TACC and issued to holders of quota. All commercial fishers must obtain ACE to cover the QMS fish they catch in a fishing year.

Quota allocations encourage sustainable fishing

Quota is allocated when a new species is brought into the QMS. Allocating quota to fishers encourages them to make sure their catch levels are sustainable because they are guaranteed a permanent share of the fishery in the future.

By law, catch limits for every fish stock have to be set at levels that ensure their long-term sustainability. MPI rigorously monitors the amount of fish caught against these limits and financial penalties apply to commercial fishers who catch in excess of their limits in any one year.

The QMS has delivered significant benefits – most of the stocks that were over-fished before the introduction of the QMS, now have sustainable catch limits in place.

Find out more about the QMS

Other controls

Other measures used to sustainably manage fisheries include:

• size limits – to help ensure there are enough sexually mature individuals among populations
• area restrictions – to protect important nursery or juvenile areas, or to deal with pockets of depleted stocks
• controls on fishing methods
• restrictions based on sex (for example, egg-laden females) or certain biological states.

Administration of commercial fisheries

Anyone taking fish for sale must hold a commercial fishing permit. Permits can be issued for between 1 and 5 years.

The amount of fish that can legally be harvested by permit holders depends on the amount of Annual Catch Entitlement (ACE) they hold or obtain.

Find out more about ACEs

View a map of commercial fishing — all methods

View a map of commercial fishing — trawl

Valuable right carries obligations

The right to fish commercially is a valuable right.  In return for this right commercial fishers are obliged to:

• Fish from a registered fishing vessel.
• Keep records of catch, effort and landings.
• Report regularly to MPI on their catch, effort and landings.
• Not discard or abandon QMS fish in the sea (with limited exceptions).
• Land catch to approved licensed fish receivers (LFR) (with limited exceptions).

Commercial fishers who fail to meet these obligations risk prosecution.

MPI is required to keep a fishing permit register.  This register is a public register for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1993, is held electronically and is open for inspection. Maintenance of the register is managed by Commercial Fisheries Services Limited (FishServe).

Go to the FishServe website

Read more about permits on the FishServe website

Protection activities

MPI invests heavily in monitoring fishing activity and in encouraging and enforcing compliance with the law. Fishery officers patrol New Zealand's coastline to ensure all fishers comply with the rules. Fishing vessels are also monitored at sea using satellite technology, aircraft, and patrol boats to ensure their crews follow the rules. In addition, MPI observers are often placed on fishing boats to monitor and record what fishers catch, and any interactions with seabirds, marine mammals, or protected corals.

With the help of the New Zealand Defence Forces, MPI also works to maintain the integrity of the New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone. High seas patrols are done periodically to inspect vessels that fish in the vicinity of our waters.

Another priority for MPI is ensuring the effects of fishing on marine environments are kept within acceptable levels. Regulations and industry agreements are set to reduce the impact of fishing on protected species such as the New Zealand sea lion, fur seals, and seabirds. Restrictions are also in place to protect Hector's and Māui's dolphins – the world's smallest and rarest dolphins. These measures are all monitored by MPI.

View a map of New Zealand's protected areas

Learn more about MPI fishery protection activities

Recreational fishing

MPI is responsible for setting and enforcing recreational fishing rules. These rules help keep fisheries sustainable, ensuring they can be enjoyed by future generations.

Recreational fishing rules differ depending on fishing location. All rules are set out in the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 2013. The regulations cover:

• bag and catch limits
• minimum sizes
• potting and netting methods
• equipment
• restricted and closed areas.

View a map of recreational fishing areas (amateur and charter fishing vessels)

Check the fishing rules

Customary fishing

Fisheries are a traditional source of economic and cultural wealth for iwi and hapū.  Being able to provide fish or shellfish to feed whānau (family) or manuhiri (guests) has always been part of the cultural heritage of tangata whenua, or "people of the land".

View a map of customary fisheries management areas

The Kaimoana Customary Fishing Regulations 1998 and the Fisheries (South Island Customary Fishing) Regulations 1999 recognise the role of tangata whenua in managing their customary fisheries.

These regulations let iwi and hapū manage their non-commercial fishing in a way that best fits their local practices, without having a major effect on the fishing rights of others. When the government sets the total catch limits for fisheries each year, it allows for this customary use of fisheries.

Refer to information about customary rights

Find out more about Māori customary fishing

Freshwater fisheries management

The freshwater fisheries management regime in New Zealand is complex. Regulatory responsibilities overlap between different agencies. There is very little commercial fishing for wild freshwater species managed under the Fisheries Act with the exception of eels.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has responsibilities under the Conservation Act 1987 to manage whitebait, and control access to waterways administered in DOC-administered public lands. DOC also administers the Freshwater Fisheries Regulations 1983, which has provisions relating to indigenous fish, noxious fish, and waterways. These regulations also set out the licensing system for freshwater sports fishing. This system is managed by Fish and Game councils.

Freshwater management – DOC website

Freshwater fishing regulations – Fish and Game website

Find out more

• The aquaculture industry
• High seas fishing
• Fisheries Management System Review

Pulse check

New Zealand's fisheries management system is sound. Scientific assessments show that overall New Zealand's fisheries are doing well.

However, the system's key building blocks – the Fisheries Act and the Quota Management System – have been in place for 20 and 30 years respectively. Technology has advanced and society's expectations of how fisheries management should operate have changed over that time, giving us an opportunity to review the system. We want to ensure it continues to deliver for all users.

• What's covered by the review
• What's not in the review
• MPI initiatives underway
• We want you to have your say

What's covered by the review

This review gives us a chance to think more broadly about our key processes, regulatory and legislative settings.

We'll be considering the changing needs and expectations of the people who use New Zealand's fisheries to ensure our systems are best focused to sustainably deliver on those needs.

Geographic coverage

The area includes the New Zealand coastline (territorial sea) and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), as well as freshwater fisheries, such as eel and mullet. The focus is on wild catch fish species and shellfish.

Look at a map of the EEZ area

Learn more about the current status of our fisheries

Five themes

There are 5 themes to the review of the fisheries management system. These are about how to future-proof the system to ensure:

• sustainability
• benefits for all New Zealanders
• decision-making processes
• monitoring and enforcement
• responding effectively to future challenges.

Read a summary about what these themes mean

What's not in the review

The review focuses on enhancing the fisheries management system that we currently have. These core elements of the system will not be changed:

• sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources as set out in Section 8 of the Fisheries Act
• the QMS tools (quota and annual catch entitlements)
• the rights of commercial quota ownership
• the Crown's obligations under Treaty settlements
• the rights and interests of tangata whenua, and customary management.
• the right to fish for recreation.

The areas and fisheries not included are the high seas beyond New Zealand's EEZ.

MPI initiatives underway

The review also recognises the range of initiatives already underway to respond to identified needs in the fisheries management system.

Read about fishery management initiatives underway

BeforeWe're still at the beginning of this process – we canhaven't developed proposals yet and nothing has been decided. We need to understand the issues first and develop proposals that sustainably deliver for everyone, we need to understand the issues.everyone.

Feedback was sought fromTo do this, we'll be seeking the views of everyone with an interest in our fisheries.

As well as an online questionnaire, we ran drop-in information sessions and met with interested groups. MPI fisheries experts were available to answer questions and questionnaires could be completed at the venues.

Read about where As part of this process we'll be reaching out to the public in October. There will be drop-in information sessions were heldand a questionnaire available to complete until 5pm, Friday 11 December 2015.

Find out how to have your say

What happens next

From your feedback, we'll produce a report –  What we heard – forfor the Minister for Primary Industries early in 2016 for his consideration.2016.

Once we've finalised our proposals, everyone will then have a chance to comment through a formal consultation process in mid-2016.

Any changes to the system as a result of this review are likely to be made in 2017.

Who to contact

If you have questions about this review, email: fisheries.review@mpi.govt.nz .

About the EPIC challenge

The EPIC challenge is a competition managed by the Young Enterprise Trust and sponsored by MPI and DairyNZ. The aim of the challenge is to raise awareness of the exciting range of careers in our primary industries, such as:

• farmers and farm managers
• engineers and scientists
• environmental planners and resource managers
• product developers
• trade officials and marketing consultants.

Find more job ideas on the:

• Get Ahead website
• Careers New Zealand website

Who can enter

The competition is open to Year 10 students in New Zealand. They have to identify different jobs in the primary industries and develop a marketing strategy to promote them to their classmates.

2015 EPIC challenge

The winner was announcedentries for the 2015 EPIC challenge close on 10 December23 November 2015. Congratulations to students from Palmerston North Girls' High School. The winning entry included posters withMore information on becoming a beef manager, dairy farmerabout the competition, and beekeeper,how you and a promotional video.your school can get involved, is on the Young Enterprise Trust's website.

2014 EPIC challenge winners

In 2014, there were 121 entries for the EPIC challenge from 117 schools throughout New Zealand. The winning entry was by 3 students from Huanui College in Whangārei. Their video, Bee in the Scene, highlights the importance of the bee industry to New Zealand and the range of careers available – from beekeeping through to microbiology and horticulture.

Watch the winning entry on Young Enterprise NZ's YouTube channel

The winning students were presented with a trophy at parliament by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.

• Read the Minister's media release

Huanui College also came first in the dairy category of the competition, with their winning entry created to show students the many and varied careers in New Zealand's dairy industry.

Why the primary industries need more people

The EPIC challenge was launched in May 2014 as part of a range of initiatives to attract talented young people to work in the primary industries. MPI’s report on the future workforce needs of the primary sector found an extra 50,000 workers will be required by 2025. Over half of these workers will need a Level 4 or above qualification on the New Zealand curriculum framework.

Qualifications are needed across a range of disciplines to ensure we have more diverse and highly skilled technologically savvy people in the primary industries.  

The higher level of skill and increased diversity will allow New Zealand to increase its sustainable production, better protect and manage our resources, and deliver a great range of high value products to national and international markets.

Ensuring that young people develop an understanding of the importance and changing nature of the primary industries in New Zealand, and view careers in the primary industries as an exciting option for them, is going to be an important part of meeting these future skill needs.

Find out more

• Overview report: People Powered
• Full report: Future Capability Needs for Primary Industries in New Zealand

Who to contact

If you have questions about sponsorships or careers, email info@mpi.govt.nz .