Right ‘Hon’, Guy! While MPs may have been on their ‘school hols’ recently, in the lead-up to the break, Parliament was a ‘hive’ of activity where few appeared busier than Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy. In fact, our mate Nate was so busy that we’ve had to take a second look at even more of his greatest hits from December.
Nate loves spuds It’s official – the chips are down with MPI! The potato industry has become the thirteenth to join the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) biosecurity partnership. “It’s very pleasing to have Potatoes New Zealand working with MPI and other industry partners on biosecurity,” Mr Guy said. “As the recent Biosecurity 2025 Direction Statement outlines, biosecurity is a shared responsibility. It needs everyone working together sharing their expertise and experience.” And, as we know, biosecurity is Mr Guy’s ‘number one priority as minister’.
Lane same but different While Auckland Airport was bursting at the seams during its busiest season, Guy’s guys at MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) were not shy about busting those intent on bringing food or other biosecurity risk items across the border. However, to prevent traffic jams (at least until arrivals reach George Bolt Memorial, that is!) MPI and Auckland Airport have been running a new, dedicated lane for New Zealand and Australian travellers with no declarations to be screened and processed. In addition, two detector dog teams have been on duty covering all lanes and an additional baggage x-ray machine
Nathan Guy with Potatoes NZ Chair, Stuart Wright.
employed. “These new measures will improve how we process and screen passengers for any extra, unwanted visitors,” Mr Guy said in December. “We are expecting the busiest summer ever for visitor arrivals so the Ministry for Primary Industries is now on high alert for biosecurity threats.” Mr Guy also took the opportunity to remind us all that: “Biosecurity is my number one priority as Minister.” At Rural Living we wouldn’t expect anything less!
Can ‘Nay-fin’ save the dolphins? Industry initiatives to protect endangered Maui dolphins could see MPI and DOC wrestle with the WWF (World Wildlife Fund). However, Mr Guy believes WWF-NZ
will welcome proposed measures by seafood companies Moana New Zealand and Sanford. Measures are set to be discussed ahead of implementation in October. “There are already extensive fishing protections over a large part of the Maui dolphin distribution, and new steps will provide even greater reassurance and protection,” he said. “We have been discussing options with industry for the past 18 months so it’s pleasing to see them taking a proactive, precautionary stance and committing to working with the Government.” The proposed changes cover the west coast of the North Island, from Maunganui Bluff to the Whanganui River Mouth. They include: no set nets in the area north of New Plymouth, installation of electronic monitoring systems and a transition away from conventional trawl fishing methods. DOC and MPI are investing more than $2 million in research to ensure the best science-based decisions are made for future protection of Maui dolphins, Mr Guy adds. “Over the next few years we’re also rolling out the Integrated Electronic Monitoring and Reporting System (IERMS), which includes cameras, geospatial monitoring and electronic reporting on every commercial fishing vessel. The move by these fishing companies to adopt this technology early is a big vote of confidence.”
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