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
Why we're building a new website and what to expect .
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).
Read the recall issued for Fruzio frozen berries (4 December 2015) on the Food Safety website
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.
If you're unsure if you'll be operating under a food control plan, or a national programme, use our online tool— Where Do I Fit? Then return to this page to check the timetable.
By 28 FebruaryAt the end of the 3-year transition period in 2019, all food businesses will be operating under the new Act. Until the transition time for your food sector ends, you can continue to operate under existing laws.
You can move to the new law any time from 1 March 2016.laws before the start of the transition period for your type of food business. However, from the start date of each transition period, MPI will be focusedfocussed on providing additional guidance and support to food businesses in each group.
You must apply to register your food control plan or national programme business 3 months before the final date for registration.
| 1 March 2016 to 30 June 2017 | 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 | 1 July 2018 to 28 February 2019 |
| Manufacturers of food for vulnerable populations.* | Manufacturers of commercially sterilised food products. | Manufacturers of vegetable protein and other protein products. |
| Manufacturers of fresh ready-to-eat salads. | Manufacturers of meat, poultry or fish products. | Businesses with a deemed food control plan. |
| Manufacturers of non-shelf stable sauces, spreads, dips, soups, broths, gravies or dressings. | Manufacturers of dairy products. | |
| Food service sector – on-licence. For example restaurants, cafes, caterers and hotels. | Manufacturers of processed egg products. | |
| Manufacturers of meals and prepared food. | ||
| Wholesale bakers. | ||
| Food retailers who | ||
| Food service sector – no on-licence. For example cafes, takeaways, caterers, accommodation businesses, hospitals, residential care and educational facilities, and prisons. |
* Find out more about vulnerable populations
| 1 March 2016 to 30 June 2017 | 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 | 1 July 2018 to 28 February 2019 |
| Processors of herbs or spices. | Grain processors. | |
| Retailers who | Manufacturers of oils and fats for human consumption. | |
| Manufacturers of food additives, processing aids, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients intended to be added to food. | Manufacturers of dry mix powders. | |
| Manufacturers of non-alcoholic beverages. | Brewers, distillers, manufacturers of vinegar, alcoholic beverages or malt extract. |
| 1 March 2016 to 30 June 2017 | 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 | 1 July 2018 to 28 February 2019 |
| Food services to pre-school children (including children under 5 years) in a centre-based setting. | Retailers of manufacturer-packaged chilled and frozen food (excluding ice cream and iced confectionery). | Manufacturers of shelf-stable grain-based products. |
| Processors of nuts or seeds. | Manufacturers of confectionery. | Manufacturers of crisps, popcorn, pretzels, soy crisps or similar snack products. |
| Bakeries that prepare or manufacture bread or bread-derived products only. | Manufacturers of dried or dehydrated fruit or vegetables. | |
| Manufacturers of water-based products including ice, iced confectionery and desserts. | ||
| Manufacturers of shelf-stable condiments (including sauces, spreads and preserves). | ||
| Manufacturers of frozen fruit and vegetables. |
Businesses operating under National Programme 1 will transition to the new requirements between 1 July 2018 and 28 February 2019. You should apply by 30 November 2018 to register your National Programme 1 business.They are:
The businesses in National Programme 1 are:
If you're unsure if you'll be operating under a food control plan, or a national programme, use our online tool – Where do I fit? Then return to this page to check the timetable.
If you have questions about the transition timetable, email info@mpi.govt.nz .
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 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).
Read the recall issued for Fruzio frozen berries (4 December 2015) on the Food Safety website
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.
Read earlier media releases:
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has made significant progress in its investigation of imported frozen berries associated with the increased risk from Hepatitis A.
“Today we have directed a specific company to recall a brand of imported frozen berries from shelves,” says MPI’s director plants food and environment Peter Thomson.
“The company is FSL Foods, and the brand being recalled is Fruzio Mixed Berries sold in 1kg and 500 gram bags. This product contains blackberries and strawberries.
“If you have this product at home it should be discarded.
“Our investigation is ongoing and, at this stage, our advice concerning all imported frozen berries stays the same. We are not able to rule out further recalls.
“We thank FSL Foods for its full co-operation in this recall.
“This is an evolving and complex situation and we were able to reach this conclusion today because of new genetic evidence about the virus and a continuing examination of the supply chain.
“In the meantime the general advice about food safety applies. People should wash their hands before eating and preparing food. Anyone who is concerned should briefly boil any 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.
“If you are concerned about a potential risk to your health, or the health of others, you should seek advice from your medical practitioner, or call the Ministry of Health's Healthline – 0800 61 11 16.
“If you are concerned about the safety of food products, contact the MPI consumer helpline (0800 00 83 33).”
TodayToday FSL Foods have announced that it is voluntarily recalling other Fruzio products to provide extra assurance to its customers.
FSL Foods says it is extending the scope of its recall because the other products are from the same source as the product that MPI has directed to be recalled based on the evidence obtained during its investigation.
In addition to their Fruzio Mixed Berry 1kg and 500g products, which contains strawberries and blackberries, FSL Foods are also recalling:
“MPI's investigation is still ongoing, and we are not able to rule out further recalls,” says MPI’s director plants food and environment Peter Thomson.
“We understand that this has been difficult for FSL Foods. We would like to again thank FSL Foods for their full co-operation in this recall. The precaution they are exercising in voluntarily expanding the scope of the recall is acknowledged by MPI.”
“If you have any of the named recalled products at home they should be discarded.
“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.
“If you are concerned about a potential risk to your health, or the health of others, you should seek advice from your medical practitioner, or call the Ministry of Health's Healthline – 0800 61 11 16.
“If you are concerned about the safety of food products, contact the MPI consumer helpline (0800 00 83 33).”
See the recall notice for full product details
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.
If you have any of these products at home they should be discarded.
This is an evolving and complex situation. We were able to reach a decision about the first recall on Thursday 3 December due to new genetic evidence about the virus and a continuing examination of the supply chain.
As always with these matters, the safety of consumers is our top priority. If we get any further information about food safety we will let the public know as soon as possible.
Consumers who want a refund should contact their retailer.
Details of the recalled products are in the notice.
If you are concerned about a potential risk to your health, or the health of others, you should seek medical advice from your doctor, or call the Ministry of Health's Healthline 0800 61 11 16.
The Ministry of Health's website also has information about Hepatitis A.
Our investigation is ongoing and, at this stage, our advice concerning all imported frozen berries stays the same. We are not able to rule out further recalls.
Read earlier media releases:
The approved training course is being run by 5 training providers. For information on course costs, dates, and nationwide locations please contact:
Private Bag 14 946
Panmure
Auckland 1741
Contact: Kerrie Fahey
Phone: 0508 00 11 22
Fax: 03 358 6222
Email:training@asurequality.com
Website: www.asurequalitytraining.co.nz
Address: PO Box 42034
Tower Junction, Christchurch 8149
Contact: Jill Jones
Telephone: 0800 BUGS OUT or 0800 28 47 68
Mobile: 021 284 7688
Email: jilljones@btsouth.co.nz
Address: PO Box 53 003
Auckland Airport
Contact: Russell Hay
Phone: 0800 25 60 30
Phone: 09 255 1792
Fax: 09 275 6188
Email:russell@dgm.co.nz
Bookings email:training@dgm.co.nz
Website:www.dgm.co.nz
Telephone: 0800 02 11 69
Fax: 0800 73 87 24
Training services manager:training@ivsltd.co.nz
Website:www.ivslimited.co.nz
PO Box 101 245
North Shore City 0745
Telephone: 0800 24 74 24
Fax: 09 414 6140
Course Bookings: Maddison Cruickshank
mcruickshank@agrichain-centre.com
Course Bookings: Melanie Trotman
info@agrichain-centre.com
Biosecurity Manager: Jessica Wallace
jwallace@agrichain-centre.com
Website:www.agrichain-centre.com
MPI publishes this information to meet the requirements of section 103 (7)(b) of the Biosecurity Act 1993.
PO Box 101 245
North Shore City 0745
Telephone: 0800 24 74 24
Fax: 09 414 6140
Course Bookings: Maddison Cruickshank
mcruickshank@agrichain-centre.com
Course Bookings: Melanie Trotman
info@agrichain-centre.com
Biosecurity Manager: Jessica Wallace
jwallace@agrichain-centre.com
Website:www.agrichain-centre.com
Private Bag 14 946
Panmure
Auckland 1741
Contact: Kerrie Fahey
Phone: 0508 00 11 22
Fax: 03 358 6222
Email:training@asurequality.com
Website: www.asurequalitytraining.co.nz
Address: PO Box 42034
Tower Junction, Christchurch 8149
Contact: Jill Jones
Telephone: 0800 BUGS OUT or 0800 28 47 68
Mobile: 021 284 7688
Email: jilljones@btsouth.co.nz
Address: PO Box 53 003
Auckland Airport
Contact: Russell Hay
Phone: 0800 25 60 30
Phone: 09 255 1792
Fax: 09 275 6188
Email:russell@dgm.co.nz
Bookings email:training@dgm.co.nz
Website:www.dgm.co.nz
Telephone: 0800 02 11 69
Fax: 0800 73 87 24
Training services manager:training@ivsltd.co.nz
Website:www.ivslimited.co.nz
MPI publishes this information to meet the requirements of section 103 (7)(b) of the Biosecurity Act 1993.
Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world, including in New Zealand. It kills a wide range of weeds that can affect production on farms, orchards and gardens if left unchecked.
The herbicide is used in about 90 products, with Roundup being the most recognised brand.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) monitors and controls the use of glyphosate through:
Read more about maximum residue limits (MRLs) for agricultural compounds
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) regulates the manufacture, importing, use, storage, and transportation of hazardous substances, such as glyphosate, for environmental, and health and safety purposes. The EPA has approved this herbicide for use in New Zealand.
Read the EPA's information about glyphosate
MPI reviews and responds to glyphosate research and statements from major international food safety authorities.
The Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) reviewed glyphosate’s toxicity and dietary risk in detail in 2004. They concluded that glyphosate is of very low toxicity.
MPI agreed with this conclusion in our assessment of the dietary risk of glyphosate to New Zealand and international consumers.
The JMPR will review its assessment of glyphosate in 2016. When the new JMPR report is available, MPI will review its position on glyphosate.
Read the 2004 JMPR report - Inchem website
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) announced in March 2015 that it had determined that glyphosate was a probable human carcinogen.
MPI reviewed the IARC report in July 2015 and concluded that IARC had carried out a hazard assessment and not a risk assessment. This means that IARC had looked at whether glyphosate exposure could lead to cancer under any circumstances, whether those circumstances were realistic or not. For example, if the dose required is not a credible dose that humans may be likely to be exposed to.
MPI's view is that the IARC data does not indicate any credible risk to users of glyphosate (for example, farmers, home gardeners), or to consumers of produce with residues of glyphosate that comply with the New Zealand maximum residue limits.
Read the IARC glyphosate press release
The European Food Safety Authority released a review of glyphosate in November 2015. They looked at the IARC findings as part of their review.
The EFSA review determined that glyphosate did not pose any carcinogenic risk to humans, and that pesticide products containing glyphosate will remain eligible to be registered in the European Union.
Testing shows no need for concern around the presence of glyphosate in New Zealand milk.
MPI was approached in 2015 by a group concerned about the possibility that glyphosate residue could be present in New Zealand milk. Significant testing by MPI shows these concerns are unfounded. On the basis of all the information available, consumers should not be concerned.
After we were approached, as a precaution we proactively carried out a focussed testing programme for glyphosate and its metabolite in milk and cream for retail sale and in unprocessed raw milk. No glyphosate was detected in those tests. The tests were conducted in an accredited laboratory using an approved test method.
All of the results from this focussed testing programme are consistent with the testing of milk for glyphosate that has previously been carried out under the New Zealand Government’s National Chemical Contaminants Programme. The results are also consistent with our view that the glyphosate residues in milk are not expected from its use.
If you have questions about glyphosate, email info@mpi.govt.nz .
If an airport is not listed or you intend to arrive at a non-approved airport then you will need prior approval.
If the type of cargo you're bringing is not on the approved list for your airport, the airport must apply by emailing standards@mpi.govt.nz
| Approved aircraft | Commercial and private aircraft (no larger than a 14-seater) |
| Approved cargo | Baggage, crew and passengers (no more than 14 passengers and crew) |
| Airport contact (website) | Keri Keri Airport |
| Approved aircraft | Military |
| Approved cargo | Passengers and equipment (up to 160 passengers and crew) |
| Airport contact (website) | Royal New Zealand Air Force |
| Approved aircraft | Commercial, charter and private aircraft |
| Approved cargo | Air containers, general cargo, vehicles and machinery, live animals, passengers, crew and baggage |
| Airport contact (website) | Auckland International Airport |
| MPI contact |
|
| Approved aircraft | Commercial and private aircraft (no larger than a 14-seater) subject to advising MPI 10 days in advance of arrival |
| Approved cargo | Baggage, crew and passengers (no more than 14 passengers and crew) |
| Airport contact (website) | Hamilton Airport |
| Approved aircraft | Commercial, charter and private aircraft subject to advising MPI 10 days in advance of arrival |
| Approved cargo | Baggage, crew and passengers (no more than 160 passengers and crew) |
| Airport contact (website) | Rotorua Regional Airport Ltd |
| Approved aircraft | Commercial and private aircraft (no larger than a 14-seater) |
| Approved cargo | Baggage, crew and passengers (no more than 14 passengers and crew) |
| Airport contact (website) | Hawkes's Bay Airport |
| Approved aircraft | Commercial and private aircraft (no larger than a 14-seater) |
| Approved cargo | Baggage, crew and passengers (no more than 14 passengers and crew) |
| Airport contact (website) | New Plymouth Airport |
| Approved aircraft | Military |
| Approved cargo | Live animals (dogs only), passengers and equipment (up to 160 passengers and crew) |
| Airport contact (website) | Royal New Zealand Air Force |
| Approved aircraft | Commercial, charter, miltary and private aircraft |
| Approved cargo | Air containers, general cargo, vehicles and machinery, live animals (cats and dogs only), passengers, crew and baggage |
| Airport contact (website) | Wellington Airport |
| Approved aircraft | Commercial and private aircraft (no larger than a 14-seater) |
| Approved cargo | Baggage, crew and passengers (no more than 14 passengers and crew) |
| Airport contact (website) | Nelson Airport |
| Approved aircraft | Commercial, charter, military and private aircraft |
| Approved cargo | Air containers, general cargo, live animals (cats and dogs only), vehicles and machinery, passengers, crew and baggage |
| Airport contact (website) | Christchurch Airport |
| MPI contact | MPI Christchurch (Cargo) |
| Approved aircraft | Commercial, charter and private aircraft |
| Approved cargo | Baggage, crew and passengers (no more than 180 passengers and crew) |
| Airport contact (website) | Queenstown Airport |
| Approved aircraft | Commercial, charter, military and private aircraft |
| Approved cargo | Baggage, crew and passengers (no more than 190 passengers) |
| Airport contact (website) | Dunedin International Airport Ltd |
| MPI contact | MPI Dunedin |
| Approved aircraft | Commercial, charter and private aircraft (no larger than a 14-seater) |
| Approved cargo | Baggage, crew and passengers (no more than |
| Airport contact (website) | Invercargill Airport |
The PGP aims to:
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
[Video footage of attendees and representatives at the Primary Growth Partnership Expo in Wellington in October 2015.]
Hon Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries: "The Expo today is fantastic. Huge amount of interest in the Primary Growth Partnership. Actually there's a lot of chatter going on right now about industry sharing ideas. That's one of the untold stories with the Primary Growth Partnership."
Dave Woods, Precision Seafood Harvesting: "It allows collaboration between otherwise competing industries on a level that we haven't seen before, and it's also given an industry lead to research and development."
Murray Brown, Alliance Group (to the left of Murray is Jonathan Wallis, Headwaters Group): "It's a great opportunity to link up government, farmer, processor. Fantastic opportunity. Can't be missed."
Collier Isaacs, FarmIQ: "Partnership. All the way. Right through the wording in the business case. Right through from, you know, 5 years ago, MPI, FarmIQ, I think we consider it to be a very very strong partnership."
Ted Culley, Sanford Limited: "The relationship's constructive, and positive about making the programme a success. I can't speak highly enough."
Hon Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries: "We're talking about almost three quarters of a billion dollars that's been invested with the government and with industry partners. 20 programmes to date. Huge amount of success, whether it's Precision Seafood Harvest; whether it's mozzarella cheese; you know value-add products right through the meat sector; robotics operating in the forest sector. Numerous examples."
John Brakenridge, The New Zealand Merino Company: "The PGP initiative has enabled the New Zealand Merino Company to do all sorts of things. For a start off, it's provided us more fuel in the tank to amplify the initiatives that we were already contemplating."
Jen Scoular, Avocado Industry Council: "It's amazing actually, money talks. And we could say we've got investment from the Crown and from other avocado parties. We've got investment into this programme, and we actually can say these are the things we're going to do."
Collier Isaacs, FarmIQ: "PGP programme's been great to give us the additional capital to really stretch out the timeframe to allow you to this sort of development you could never afford to do in the normal course of business."
Hon Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries: "This is about cutting-edge research. We've got to get out there and tell New Zealand public and show the world that we're serious about research and development. We're a little country down here in the South Pacific. Always punches above its weight. The reason we do that is because we invest on-farm, in industry, backed-up with the government, doing a huge amount in R&D, and that's how we're going to continue to add value for our farmers, for our foresters, for our fishers and ultimately drive sustainability."
Jeremy Hill, Fonterra: "In terms of improving the productivity and sustainability of our sector, but also in terms of the innovative products that we're going to have to produce for the future. Putting these together is why the Primary Growth Partnership programme is so important to us."
Collier Isaacs, FarmIQ: "So we've just sold the millionth retail pack in New Zealand. It's now in China and other parts of Asia, and the US, so that's moving on. We're scaling up the sale of the Farm Management System in New Zealand."
Ted Culley, Sanford Limited: "We're seeing gains potentially on a, potential gains on a 50,000 tonne type volume of around $81 million a year by 2026."
Jen Scoular, Avocado Industry Council: "The last couple of years we've doubled the value of our industry. So actually everybody is seeing those benefits and everyone's seeing how valuable it is to be part of the Primary Growth Partnership initiative for New Zealand, and we're utilising expertise of other parties in the programme as well."
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
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:
Download the 2014-2015 Annual Report
Around $724 million of government and industry funding has been committed to 20 PGP programmes to date, over their lifetime.
Government funding is released in stages after invoices are received for the work undertaken by contracted programmes.
As at 30 November 2015, total government funding paid to programmes underway was $170.7 million.
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
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
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
If you have questions about the PGP, email pgp@mpi.govt.nz .
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has authorised 2 companies to operate a Multi-site Transitional Facility (MTF) System for low risk sea containers. The MTF System provides an alternative for importers who bring in low-risk sea containers that don't want to have their own transitional facility.
The system means that importers can have containers delivered to their businesses, as long as:
The MTF system operator takes overall responsibility for all MPI requirements to operate a transitional facility.
The pack provides details for applicants to understand what is required to implement and operate a MTF System to manage biosecurity risks of low risk sea containers' imported goods.
Download the MTF System information packDownload the MTF System information pack
Independent Verification Services (IVS) Ltd
Website: http://ivslimited.co.nz/inspection/clearance/
Contact: Brad MillerViolet George
Telephone: 0800 02 11 69 or 09 903 0881
Fax: 0800 73 87 24
Email: mtf@ivsltd.co.nz
Regions : Nationwide
Biosecurity Training South Ltd
Website: www.btsouth.co.nz
Address: PO Box 42034, Tower Junction, Christchurch 8149
Contact: Jill Jones
Telephone: 0800 BUGS OUT or 0800 28 47 68
Mobile: 021 284 7688
Email: admin@btsouth.co.nz
Regions : Christchurch
Results from testing have now confirmed that the fifth person, who recently contracted Hepatitis A, as reported last week, has the same strain of the virus as the other four people who fell sick with Hepatitis in late October and early November this year.
“All five people who have fallen sick with Hepatitis A have the same strain, and all five have consumed the Fruzio Mixed Berry product recalled earlier this month,” says MPI director plants food and environment Peter Thomson.
“Our investigation is still ongoing however and, although it is now looking less likely, we are still not ruling out the possibility of further recalls.
“In the meantime the general advice about food safety applies. People should wash their hands before eating and preparing food. Anyone who is concerned should briefly boil any 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.
“If you are concerned about a potential risk to your health, or the health of others, you should seek advice from your medical practitioner, or call the Ministry of Health's Healthline – 0800 61 11 16.
“If you are concerned about the safety of food products, contact the MPI consumer helpline (0800 00 83 33).”
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.
Read earlier media releases:
Currently there are 5 training providers undertaking Biosecurity Awareness (Accredited Person) Training.
AgriChain Centre Telephone: 0800 24 74 24 | Independent Verification Services Telephone: 0800 02 11 69 |
Dangerous Goods Management Limited Contact: Russell Hay | Biosecurity Training South Ltd Contact: Jill Jones |
AsureQuality Phone: 0508 00 11 22 |
Results from testing have now confirmed that the fifth person, who recently contracted Hepatitis A, as reported last week, has the same strain of the virus as the other four people who fell sick with Hepatitis A in late October and early November this year.
“All five people who have fallen sick with Hepatitis A have the same strain, and all five have consumed the Fruzio Mixed Berry product recalled earlier this month,” says MPI director plants food and environment Peter Thomson.
“Our investigation is still ongoing however and, although it is now looking less likely, we are still not ruling out the possibility of further recalls.
“In the meantime the general advice about food safety applies. People should wash their hands before eating and preparing food. Anyone who is concerned should briefly boil any 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.
“If you are concerned about a potential risk to your health, or the health of others, you should seek advice from your medical practitioner, or call the Ministry of Health's Healthline – 0800 61 11 16.
“If you are concerned about the safety of food products, contact the MPI consumer helpline (0800 00 83 33).”
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.
Read earlier media releases:
After consultation with the horticultural, forestry and arable sectors, MPI updated the standards for plant export phytosanitary certification. The new standards came into effect on 1 June 2015.
If your organisation wants to become an MPI-Approved Organisation (MAO) then you must meet the requirements of the new standards.
Read the 2015 standards for MAOs approved after 1 June 2015
If you are an MAO who has been operating with the 2006 standards then continue to use these until your systems are updated by the applicable due date. Download these publications for the applicable due dates and more information:
MPI has developed example guidelines to help MAOs update their systems against the new Plant Export Certification Standards. Contact your Independent Verification Agency (IVA) for copies of the latest versions of these titles:
Read the 2006 standards for MAOs
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) expects meat and wool, horticulture and forestry export revenues will support New Zealand's primary sector export growth to 2017, and help offset the recent year's fall in the dairy sector.
The signs across the primary sector are encouraging with New Zealand's primary sector export revenue expected to increase to $37.6 billion in the year ending June 2016, up $1.9 billion from the year ended June 2015, according to the Ministry for Primary Industries updated Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI). The December update incorporates changes to export volumes and currency movements from MPI's previous June 2015 SOPI publication.
The meat and wool sector is expected to continue its strong growth, with a forecast revenue increase of $910 million to June 2016 (or 10% from June 2015 actual figures) due to strong demand for beef exports from the United States. New Zealand will meet its allowable beef export quota to the USA this season for the first time since 2004. Chinese demand for wool also remains strong.
Milk production is expected to be down 7% this season compared to last, due to current dairy prices. However, prices are expected to rebound by late 2016, early 2017, as current dairy stocks are worked through and demand levels increase.
The forestry sector is forecast to grow $613 million, even though Chinese demand for logs is reduced due to a continuing slowdown in the Chinese construction sector. MPI expects an increase in exported timber volumes to help offset this reduction in log exports.
The seafood sector will be supported by favourable climatic conditions and the opening of 2 new salmon farms which will contribute to an expected $200 million export revenue increase in this area.
Pipfruit and wine revenues continue to grow as kiwifruit yields reach record levels and wine suppliers utilise past season vintages to support increasing consumer demand for New Zealand products. The horticulture sector outlook is strong, with an expected $700 million export revenue increase forecast in the June 2016 year for this sector.
Over the publication outlook period (2016 and 2017) the New Zealand to United States Dollar exchange rate is forecast to track lower than was projected in MPI's June 2015 SOPI publication increasing New Zealand's expected export revenue figures.
The conclusion of key trade deals, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), will continue to support New Zealand's primary sectors towards meeting the Government's export and business growth targets with the export outlook for New Zealand continuing to be positive.
Download the SOPI December 2015 updateDownload the SOPI December 2015 update
Results from testing have now confirmed that the fifth person, who recently contracted Hepatitis A, as reported last week, has the same strain of the virus as the other 4four people who fell sick with Hepatitis A in late October and early November this year.
“All 5five people who have fallen sick with Hepatitis A have the same strain, and all 5five have consumed the Fruzio Mixed Berry product recalled earlier this month,” says MPI director plants food and environment Peter Thomson.
“Our investigation is still ongoing however and, although it is now looking less likely, we are still not ruling out the possibility of further recalls.
“In the meantime the general advice about food safety applies. People should wash their hands before eating and preparing food. Anyone who is concerned should briefly boil any 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.
“If you are concerned about a potential risk to your health, or the health of others, you should seek advice from your medical practitioner, or call the Ministry of Health's Healthline – 0800 61 11 16.
“If you are concerned about the safety of food products, contact the MPI consumer helpline (0800 00 83 33).”
Read the recall issued for Fruzio frozen berries (4 December 2015)
Late October – early November, 2015 – 4Four 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.
Read earlier media releases:
Māori agribusiness is a key component of MPI's strategic goals. Our Strategy 2030 commits to supporting the primary sectors, including Māori, to maximise the benefits from the sustainable use of their primary sector assets. Supporting the growth of the Māori economy will also support the growth of New Zealand's economy. Māori economic development and regional development are inseparable.
MPI's Māori Agribusiness: Pathway to Increased Productivity programme aims to partner with Māori to overcome some of the unique challenges you face when developing your primary sector assets. The programme has a specific focus on Māori primary sector assets (agriculture, horticulture, forestry, or seafood) that are in collective ownership.
An essential component of the programme is developing and sustaining mutually beneficial relationships between Māori and MPI. So, when you're ready to achieve your aspirations for your primary sector assets – from production, through processing, to exporting, MPI can work in partnership with you to identify tailored support to help you to make this happen.
MPI has worked with a number of Māori land owners across the country to bring together smaller land blocks to build economic scale, enabling Māori landowners to make informed decisions across Aotearoa. Based on our relationships with these land owners, MPI has identified 6 common steps that can help Māori improve the performance of their land.
We have developed a pamphlet and video that illustrates these steps.
[This video is narrated off-screen, while the concepts are illustrated in real-time on a white drawing board.]
Narrator: Whatungarongaro te tangata toitū te whenua - As man disappears from sight, the land remains.
It's important for Māori that the land is retained throughout generations -- that's Whakapapa; that the important relationship Māori have with the land is recognised -- that's Whanaungatanga; and that Māori can act as guardians of the land's natural and physical resources -- that's Kaitiakitanga.
Māori will want these values observed when dealing with the estimated ten point six billion dollars in primary sector assets that Māori hold.
MPI partners with Māori to grow and protect these assets. This helps to further grow the New Zealand economy.
MPI has worked with a number of Māori land owners to help them achieve their aspirations on their terms, bringing together smaller land blocks to build economic scale for the benefit of their mokopuna.
So how does this happen?
For Whaea Tui, and most Māori for that matter, land or whenua is taonga tuku iho -- a treasure that has been passed down through generations.
Whaea Tui remembers stories of a time when her whānau farmed and lived off their land. Over time whānau has ceased to control the use of their land. Now she wonders what could happen if the land in her area came together. Could this build the assets of the whānau, so that they can manage their land themselves, make decisions on its use and provide for the benefit of her mokopuna?
Whaea Tui is determined and driven, which is a great start! But what's got her stumped is figuring out all the different pieces of the puzzle.
This is where MPI can help, with staff on the ground across the country working with Māori who have asked the exact same question as Whaea Tui.
From these interactions MPI has identified six key steps that have resulted in Māori successfully bringing together smaller land blocks, and are on hand to help Whaea Tui explore her options.
Firstly Whaea Tui needs to go out and talk to people on the surrounding land blocks. Typically they'll be whānau leaders, trustees of land owning groups or key influencers in the groups. Many call this the thousand cups of tea stage.
She'll need to sit with the group and discuss what opportunities might be available. These considerations will be everything from discussing the current state of the land to how to best govern that land. If Whaea Tui needs help getting the right people involved, or figuring out the ins-and-outs of what needs to be considered, she can give MPI a call. When some or all of the group are ready, they can move forward.
Back around the table, the next step for Whaea Tui and the Whānau Leaders Group is to develop a Plan. This fleshes out the aspirations and objectives of the Group and all parties they represent.
Development of the Plan would identify what the Group wants to achieve. Goals like developing the land and establishing a good business, creating education and employment opportunities for whānau, controlling the development of their land, or simply wanting to leave something behind for the next generation.
While MPI can help with strategic planning and bringing this process together, figuring out their aspirations is what Whaea Tui and the Whānau Leaders Group need to flesh out on their own.
Once the plan reflects the group's aspirations for their land, it's time to put the land to the test. A feasibility study will determine the best use of the land, and provide enough information for the group to discuss the next best steps forward. It also helps to make the proposed options more real if the group visits the land and gets to visualise in person what is being discussed.
MPI knows some great farm consultants who can help kick off this feasibility study, and MPI can also put Whaea Tui in touch with Māori who've taken the same journey and are more than happy to share their knowledge. It's worth a mention that after all this advice and consideration, Whaea Tui and the group may decide not to go ahead.
If Whaea Tui and the group want to continue with one or more of the options, the next step is to explain the opportunity to the wider group, and it's likely you'll be drinking more tea.
It can be challenging to get others to understand the benefits of building economic scale, and still be comfortable with the risks that are involved. This is where MPI can help Whaea Tui to explain the benefits and risks, and bring into the loop Māori who have taken the same journey to share their experiences.
So Whaea Tui's got everyone to agree to move forward with an option for their land. Great! Believe it or not that's a lot of the hard work done and dusted. The next step is to put the right people into the right positions to make sure this venture runs as smoothly and successfully as possible.
Here is a great opportunity to position whānau alongside the knowledge holders in key positions, so they can learn the tricks of the trade as the venture progresses. What's most important here is adopting a governance structure that ensures all parties retain ownership to the whenua that is important to them. This is where MPI can put Whaea Tui in touch with experts who can make sure this happens.
Once Whaea Tui has her ducks in a row, the rest will fall out of the planning. Whatever option the group has decided to go with will now require set-up and infrastructure, whether it be in:
- mānuka plantations
- sheep and beef farming
- wheat and barley cropping
- timber harvesting, or
- dairy farming.
MPI has networks right across the primary industries who will be able to help Whaea Tui every step of the way.
So there it is, 6 key steps that MPI can help you with, to bring smaller land blocks together and build economic scale, for the benefit of your mokopuna:
1. Establish a project group
2. Strategic planning
3. Completing a feasibility study
4. Getting owners on board
5. Setting-up a governance structure
6. Setting-up operations
If you want to explore what options might be possible for your whenua, on your terms, don't hesitate to get in touch.
[Logo: Ministry for Primary Industries. www.mpi.govt.nz]
Since October 2014, MPI has been supporting projects focused on sustainably increasing the productivity of Māori-owned primary sector assets. The Ministry for Primary Industries Agribusiness Programme is dedicated to partnering with Māori to sustainably increase the productivity of their primary sector assets such as agriculture, horticulture, forestry, or seafood that are in collective ownership. It has a specific focus on tangible on-the-ground projects that will lead to increasing their productivity.
Download a summary of some of our recent projects
MPI commissioned 2 reports on Māori agribusiness and released them in December 2014. One report – from PwC – confirms the economic benefits of helping Māori land owners increase the productivity of their primary sector assets sustainably. The other report – from Kinnect Group – evaluates how well MPI is doing this.
Kinnect Group evaluated how well MPI supports Māori asset owners to maximise the productivity of their primary sector assets. They found that, through strong relationships and partnerships, MPI effectively supported Māori to access the knowledge and skills they needed to improve productivity.
Download the executive summary version of Kinnect's report
PwC's report refines the economic model developed in a 2013 report on growing the productive base of Māori land. It provides good evidence of the national economic benefits of raising the productivity of Māori freehold land.
Download PWC's report on the economic benefits of increasing productivity of Māori land
To begin the process of accessing support, you need:
A tool has been developed, which may help more Māori agribusinesses compare investment decisions. The Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation tool is a way to compare the potential benefits of different land uses from an economic, environmental, and a social and cultural perspective.
MPI supported the development of this tool for the Aohanga Incorporation through the Sustainable Farming Fund. It was developed by Aohanga and AgResearch and released in March 2015. Watch the video to find out more.
Narrator: The Ministry for Primary Industries is focused on growing and protecting New Zealand. As part of this we work together with Maori to help substantially grow their primary sector assets.
[Video footage of cows, a tractor, and a dairy farm.]
Narrator: In 2012 a special round of MPI's Sustainable Farming Fund was held for Maori agribusiness.
[Rewi Tipene, Chairman of Aohanga Incorporation is seen presenting to a room full of people in a class or workshop setting.]
Narrator: As part of this Aohanga Incorporation and AgResearch developed the Social Return on Investment evaluation tool, which enables Maori to compare the potential benefits of different land uses from an economic, environmental, social, and cultural perspective.
[Video footage of cows in paddocks and timber harvesting.]
Mavis Mullins, Project Manager, Aohanga Incorporation: The Social Return on Investment tool was really attractive to me because I had done some work with Ngā Whenua Rāhui with geospatial mapping. And having that visual tool to help you determine boundaries or land use or stuff like that, it felt to me that it was going to be something quite pivotal for Maori.
[Oscar Montes de Oca (AgResearch) is seen presenting to the workshop attendees in a computer training room. The SROI tool is on their displays. He gestures toward a data table and chart projected onto a whiteboard.]
Oscar: The tool itself is a spreadsheet basically that brings together information about the performance of different land-based alternatives.
Bill Kaye-Blake, PricewaterhouseCoopers: What a group can do is decide what's important to them. How important are cultural things? How important are social things, like the number of jobs that are created. And then this tool says for a given land use here's the number of jobs you might create, or here's the amount of profit you might have. Here are the environmental impacts. And then it puts it all together and summarises it.
Oscar: We've been working with Aohanga for quite a number of years and they have already gone into the path of deciding that they want to diversify, that they want to contemplate or they want to evaluate different options. So we just came together just to say, well probably this is a way in which we can put a model together for you to be able to have those discussions.
[We see the attendees in the computer training room.]
Mavis: And we knew that SROI was quite a normal tool in other sectors, but we'd never come across it, so there was a lot of development.
Hoani Ponga, AgResearch: My role in developing this tool was to play a conduit role between the funder, which was MPI, the incorporation Aohanga, research partner, and AgResearch, and some of our other research collaborators that we brought on board.
Mavis: MPI have been a good partner with this project and of course MPI his is quite new to the environment, really, so it was a different learning curve, I guess, for everybody. It's been really good, and the networks that we've built have been extremely valuable.
Hoani: I found the experience really really rewarding. To have our funder beside us and making sure that we're developing a story alongside of what we try to aim to do. [People sit down in the workshop. The words 'Sustainable Farming Fund' appears onscreen. We then see the same people sitting in the computer training room.] It was really really good to connect up with different groups within MPI, including the SFF team and the Maori primary partnerships team.
Oscar: Anybody who's contemplating future development on land initiatives can potentially use this tool and process. It's more relevant for Maori I think because of the broad range of goals that they have to take into account.
Mavis: The primary sector isn't just down on the farm. You know the primary sector has risen through the ranks, if you like. The clever people now really want to know how do we do this better? [We see Bill presenting to a small group of the attendees sitting around a conference table.] How do we ensure that we're meeting those cultural aspirations of our people but still really amping up the commercial?
Hoani: For me personally it was gratifying to bring something different to Aotearoa, to pioneer a framework that was used overseas and to use a Maori incorporation to do that.
Mavis: The biggest challenge that we face in the primary sector is probably ourselves actually. There's huge opportunities if we can consider smarter ways to collaborate, to work together, to leverage off each other. And we've got some great examples of that already. And of course Miraka stands as an amazing example, but there's a lot of other smaller collaborations happening all over the motu, and I think that will grow.
[We see various shots from the workshop, conference room, and training room.]
Narrator: MPI is committed to undertaking activities that specifically foster opportunities for Maori agribusiness. If you want to explore what options might be possible for your whenua on your terms, don't hesitate to get in touch.
[The Ministry for Primary Industries logo and web address are shown. www.mpi.govt.nz]
For more information about the tool or to explore opportunities to develop something similar for your organisation
The Ministry for Primary Industries is looking into a commercial fishing vessel accidentally losing a significant amount of fish from a net in Napier Harbour yesterday.
MPI District Compliance Manager Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa Ray McKay said fishery officers were returning from a land-based patrol yesterday afternoon when they noticed a significant quantity of red cod floating near the Napier Wharf adjacent to a commercial fishing vessel.
Mr McKay said fishery officers spoke to the skipper who said a split trawl net caused the accidental spill of fish.
The skipper said he had got a larger than expected haul of fish and was unable to retrieve it safely at sea, so he dragged the net back to the safety of the harbour to bring it aboard.
As the net was being retrieved it split, losing up to a tonne of fish into the water, mostly red cod with some gurnard and flounder. A further 750kg of fish was successfully taken aboard.
Mr McKay said it is an unfortunate waste of fish and a potential nuisance in a busy area.
"MPI's main focus is that these spilt fish are recorded against the Quota Management System, to ensure the ongoing sustainability of fish stocks.
"It's a waste that these fish won't be eaten, but every fish caught by commercial operators must be recorded so MPI can manage fish stocks sustainably and future generations can enjoy the opportunities we do."
The potential nuisance of fish washing ashore is being dealt with by Hawkes Bay Regional Council.