MPI risks loss of focus on food safety and biosecurity

Most people would almost certainly see the primary role of Ministry for Primary Industries as the protection of New Zealand’s biosecurity, food safety and primary production. The creation of MPI was designed to meet a number of objectives, one of which, probably the most important, must surely have been to ensure a world class agency to deliver this priority.

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MPI must get balance right between regulatory function and growth

The rash of food scares and rejected shipments in recent months must inevitably raise the question whether MPI has become too big to do its job properly. What isn’t at issue is the crucial importance of a government ministry which has responsibility for regulating all agricultural, seafood and forestry exports and imports.

Biosecurity thoroughly underprepared for high-risk incursions

The Auditor General’s report into the current state of readiness to cope with potential high-risk threats to our biosecurity makes sobering reading. In the report Lyn Provost, the Auditor General, makes a number of recommendations for improvements, while complimenting MPI on recent progress. But the overwhelming impression is one of a disaster waiting to happen.

Ministry for Primary Industries’ Strategy 2030

The Ministry for Primary Industries has set itself an ambitious strategy to 2030 with the subtitle ‘Growing and protecting New Zealand.’ In its introduction, the Ministry asks ‘Why this strategy?’ which it answers by saying a re-balancing of the economy towards more productive sources of growth is required and New Zealand must trade itself to greater growth and prosperity.

Gamekeeper McKenzie turns Poacher

Andrew McKenzie retires this week as Chief Executive of the New Zealand Food Safety Authority at the same time as his ‘baby’ is reabsorbed into MAF. This is an important coincidence because, under McKenzie’s direction, food safety compliance in New Zealand is light years ahead of where it was even 10 years ago.

Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater

The main reason behind the amalgamation of NZFSA (New Zealand Food Safety Authority) after several years of semi or complete independence from MAF is the perceived need for a single focus biosecurity system which is closely aligned with the authority responsible for all aspects of food safety. There is no doubt also an opportunity to save money by reducing any duplication of resources.