2008 Media Releases
December
- MAF eases restrictions for the importation of horses from Australia
23 December 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has today issued a provisional import health standard (IHS) for the importation of horses from Australia, removing the existing import requirements for equine influenza. - Milestone reached with end to aerial mozzie treatments
23 December 2008
Good progress is being made towards the elimination of the southern saltmarsh mosquito in Coromandel with the end this week of aerial treatments. - MAF report shows farmers likely to face challenging year ahead
16 December 2008
Farmers recovering from drought are likely to have a challenging year due to rising costs coupled with economic uncertainty, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s latest report. - MAFBNZ to use fish to eradicate invasive aquatic weed from lakes
11 December 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) is releasing 3000 grass carp into Lakes Tutira, Waikopiro, and Opouahi today as part of its programme to eradicate the invasive aquatic weed hydrilla from the lakes. Hydrilla has not been found anywhere else in New Zealand.
November
- Joint response to tackle kauri dieback
26 November 2008
Kauri dieback (Phytophthora taxon Agathis or PTA), the newly-identified disease attacking kauri trees, is being addressed by six agencies working together as one response team. - $11.75M for rural projects - MAF's Sustainable Farming Fund opens
14 November 2008
The new funding round for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's (MAF's) Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) opens today.
October
- Feedback sought on draft code of welfare for sheep & beef cattle
31 October 2008
Minimum standards of animal welfare and recommended best practices for anyone responsible for sheep and beef cattle are outlined in a new draft code of welfare to be released for consultation by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) tomorrow. - MAF grants $1.4m for erosion protection and research
31 October 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) has allocated two more erosion treatment projects a total of $1.4 million under its Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Hill Country Erosion Fund. - Trade in cut flowers and foliage to USA resumes
31 October 2008
New Zealand cut flower and foliage growers, who export product to the USA, have received an early Christmas present. - Further 2238 hectares of new East Coast erosion control projects approved
30 October 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) has approved in principle 25 applications under the East Coast Forestry Project's (ECFP) 2008 funding round which will cover a further 2238 hectares of new erosion control projects in Gisborne. - Repeat offenders prosecuted by MAF
22 October 2008
A Dannevirke father and son, Ian and David Livingstone, have been convicted of offences laid by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Enforcement Group relating to the starvation of sheep in their care. - Increasing wood availability and potential for East Coast forestry industry
7 October 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) today released the "East Coast Forest Industry and Wood Availability Forecasts" report which indicates a steady increase in wood availability for the region over the next 12 years; and potential for significantly greater increase through a 25 year period. - NZ growers show resilience despite economic challenges
6 October 2008
New Zealand growers are showing their resilience and flexibility despite changing economic conditions, says a report launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) today.
September
- MAF grants $0.93M for new forests; calls for further applications
25 September 2008
The Afforestation Grant Scheme's (AGS) first public tender round has granted nine recipients a total $927,000 to plant new forests; and further applications are being called for, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) announced today. - Tougher stance to be taken against invading marine pests in ballast
24 September
New Zealand's defence against marine pest arrivals is set to be strengthened with a recent Government decision to join an international convention controlling ships' ballast water discharges. - MAF Biosecurity to revoke varroa movement controls
24 September 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) will revoke all movement controls associated with varroa bee mite, effective from 25 September 2008. - MAF co-hosts launch of AgResearch Chair in Systems Thinking and Practice
24 September 2008
On Friday 26 September, AgResearch and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) will co-host an event to launch the AgResearch Chair in Systems Thinking and Practice. - Confirmation of further finds of varroa in Canterbury
18 September 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) investigations after last week's find of varroa bee mite outside of the current South Island Controlled Area have confirmed further reports in North Canterbury. - Low pathogenic virus no cause for concern
17 September 2008
A surveillance programme researching the presence of avian influenza in New Zealand has found low pathogenic (LPAI) H5N1 virus in two samples taken from mallard ducks. Tests indicate that the virus is closely related to viruses found in the past and has been here for some time. - Increased opportunities for Hawkes Bay forest industry
17 September 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) today released its "Hawkes Bay Forest Industry and Wood Availability Forecasts Report" that indicates an increase in wood availability in the region after 2016 and increased opportunities for the sector. - Cross-sector collaboration at carbon footprinting workshop
12 September 2008
More than 100 participants from government, industry and research institutes from around New Zealand attended a first of its kind workshop in Wellington this week to learn, share and look into strategies on greenhouse gas (GHG) footprinting. - New varroa mite find confirmed
11 September 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has confirmed varroa bee mite in hives outside of the current South Island Controlled Area. - Partnership on new climate change research announced
5 September 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology are teaming up on new research into climate change for the land based sectors.
August
- Pest mosquito eliminated from Kaipara
29 August 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has successfully eliminated the Southern salt marsh mosquito (SSM) from the Kaipara area, ending some six years of treatment and surveillance activity. - Action underway against marine pest in Lyttelton Port
28 August 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) is about to test its armoury of marine pest treatment weapons against the introduced Mediterranean fanworm which was recently detected in Lyttelton Port. - NAWAC Annual Report Released
26 August 2008
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) issued its 2007 Annual Report today. - MAF grants $0.39M for community irrigation and water storage
25 August 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) today announced seven successful grant recipients under its first funding round of the Community Irrigation Fund (CIF) which provides support to promoters of community irrigation and water storage schemes. - One Farmer, three farms, 445 sheep euthanased
12 August 2008
Otago farmer John Dempster was today sentenced in the Dunedin District Court for failing to maintain the welfare needs of his sheep. - South Island benefits from strong dairy and wine growth
7 August 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) says the South Island agricultural sector is benefiting from strong growth in the dairy and wine industries. - Forestry sector faces productivity challenges and environmental opportunities
6 August 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) says productivity improvements, increased focus on market and product development, as well as emerging opportunities such as carbon sequestration and alternative energy sources will shape future growth in the forestry industry. - Strong dairy sector underpins agriculture's economic importance
5 August 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is predicting the strength of the dairy sector will reinforce agriculture's cornerstone position in the New Zealand economy over the next five years. - NZ primary sector forecasts encouraging
5 August 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is forecasting solid growth for the primary sector over the next five years despite the tougher immediate economic outlook both internationally and locally. - New South Island Controlled Area for varroa bee mite
1 August 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has established a new South Island Controlled Area for the varroa bee mite.
July
- Farmer charged with wilful ill-treatment of cattle
23 July 2008
North Wellsford farmer Keith Thomas pleaded guilty to 5 charges under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 earlier in March this year for allowing stock in his care to suffer from malnutrition. - 2007 National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) Annual Report Released
15 July 2008
The National Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) Annual Report was released today. A significant feature of NAEAC's work in 2007 was the review of a number of the codes of ethical conduct that govern the use of animals in research, testing and teaching. - West Coast forest industry report released
11 July 2008
The West Coast Forest Industry and Wood Availability Forecast Report is now available. This report comments on the wood availability in the West Coast area and the opportunities and constraints facing the region's forest industry. - Mediterranean fanworm widespread in Lyttelton Port
3 July 2008
A thorough search of the Lyttelton Port and surrounding marine environment for the pest marine species the Mediterranean fanworm has revealed the organism is widespread in the inner harbour. - Concealed fighting fish seized at border
2 July 2008
The interception of six live Siamese fighting fish in a parcel at the International Mail Centre in Auckland highlights an on-going problem, says MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
June
- Candidatus Liberibacter spp bacterium detected in new host
30 June 2008
The Candidatus Liberibacter spp. bacterium, recently found in glasshouse tomato and capsicum crops, has now been detected in commercial potato crops in the Auckland region. - Fanworm search begins in Lyttelton
30 June 2008
Work begins today on surveying Lyttelton port for the marine pest the Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii). - Impacts of drought will require ongoing management
20 June 2008
The National Drought Committee says the drought will have long term consequences for farmers and the sector must be well prepared to manage the ongoing impact. - MAFBNZ to discontinue funding national Dutch Elm Disease programme
5 June 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) will discontinue funding national management of the Dutch Elm Disease programme. - New bacterium affects fresh tomatoes and capsicums
4 June 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has today withdrawn phytosanitary certification for New Zealand fresh tomato and capsicum export produce until further notice, following the confirmation of a new disease-causing bacterium in three commercial hot-house operations in the North Island.
May
- Deer agent fined for illegal develveting
29 May 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) welcomes today's convictions of Noel Cudby in the Wellington District Court for the develveting of deer without adequate pain relief and the required approvals. - MAF Biosecurity New Zealand acts on marine pest find in Lyttelton Port
28 May 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ), is responding to the detection of a new and unwanted marine species in Lyttelton Port. - A changing climate is not all bad for agriculture
27 May 2008
A new report released by MAF shows that not all of the effects of climate change are bad for the agricultural sectors. In some areas, production will potentially increase. - Increased supply forecast for the country's wood basket
23 May 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) has just released new wood availability forecasts for the Central North Island that indicate a steady increase in supply for the region over the next 12 years. - New South Island Controlled Area for varroa bee mite
13 May 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has established a new South Island Controlled Area to protect beekeeping operations in the West Coast, Canterbury and areas further south, from varroa which was found at St Arnaud, outside the previous South Island Controlled Area, three weeks ago. - Consultation open on exposure draft of forestry regulations under New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme
6 May 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is seeking comments on an exposure draft of the regulations for the forestry sector under the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZETS). Submissions close on 30 May. - Varroa bee mite found outside South Island Controlled Area
1 May 2008
Varroa bee mite has been found at several apiary sites near St Arnaud, just outside the Nelson-Marlborough Varroa Controlled Area boundary, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) said today.
April
- Illegal seed importer fined
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is pleased with the conviction handed down today in the Tauranga District Court to a Katikati company for the illegal importation of sowing seeds. - Horse imports from Australia resume
17 April 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has today issued an Import Health Standard for horses from Australia, lifting the suspension on imports that has been in place since August last year. - Farmer oblivious to pain and suffering of dehorned cattle
15 April 2008
A Marlborough farmer was sentenced today and must pay a fine of $6500, and was ordered to pay investigation and court costs of $715.60 in the Blenheim District Court for the illegal dehorning of his cattle. - Dairy farmer obstructs MAF inspector
7 April 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Animal Welfare Investigation Team welcomed the conviction handed down in the Palmerston North District Court last week for the obstruction and hindering of an animal welfare inspector whilst performing his duties.
March
- Farmer continues to neglect cattle
26 March 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), Animal Welfare Investigation Team are pleased with the conviction in the Christchurch District Court last week to a farmer for the wilful ill-treatment of animals.
February
- MAF Biosecurity New Zealand holds meeting to discuss methyl bromide alternatives
28 February 2008
Twenty eight possible alternatives to the ozone depleting gas methyl bromide came under scrutiny yesterday as over 90 government and industry representatives met in Wellington to review the alternatives to methyl bromide use at our borders. - Ocean floor cleaned as part of Tasman Bay biosecurity operation
27 February 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) is arranging to dredge an area of seabed in Tasman Bay early next week to reduce the risk posed by marine organisms that fell on the ocean floor during the cleaning of an oil rig there late last year. - MAF works with nursery industry to limit pest weed spread
25 February 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's biosecurity arm, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) is today working in close co-operation with the nursery and gardening industry to limit the distribution of suspected pest weeds through contaminated imported coconut fibre. - New wood availability forecasts for the East Coast confirm increasing wood flows
18 February 2008
New wood availability forecasts for the East Coast compiled by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will assist with future regional planning for the forest industry and provide infrastructure agencies with credible data for future planning, says John Vaney, Regional Team Leader with MAF Policy in Rotorua. - New wood availability forecasts for the Hawkes Bay will inform regional planning
13 February 2008
New wood availability forecasts for the Hawkes Bay compiled by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) will assist with future regional planning for the forest industry and provide infrastructure agencies with credible data for future planning, says John Vaney, Regional Team Leader with MAF Policy in Rotorua.
