Biosecurity in New Zealand- have we gone soft at the border? was the title of a conference which has raised more than few critical questions about New Zealand’s border security.
Held this week by the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural & Horticultural Science (NZIAHS), the forum brought together researchers and policy makers to discuss New Zealand’s current biosecurity situation and current directions.
Issues covered at the meeting garnered some wider attention from the media — in particular a talk from NZIAHS past president John Lancashire drawing attention to weakening of New Zealand borders as a consequence of free trade deals.
New Zealand Herald: Scientist warns biosecurity at risk from new trade deals
Radio New Zealand: Scientist says NZ has gone soft on biosecurity
YahooNews NZ: Discussion of whether NZ’s gone soft on biosecurity
Radio New Zealand: Backyard pigs a biosecurity threat – NZ Pork
At the conference Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy also announced a new scheme which will see Australian airports sharing passenger baggage x-rays with New Zealand border security officials.