People Resources
- MAF has approximately 1300 staff spread throughout the country from Dargaville to Bluff and a few at international locations. Main concentrations of staff are at Auckland (particularly undertaking Quarantine roles), Wellington and Christchurch. The significant rural presence that MAF once maintained has largely been dismantled with the movement of field staff to SOEs in 1998.
- The majority of staff within MAF are tertiary qualified in a scientific discipline. A continuing decrease in relevant biological science enrolments at Universities is impacting on recruitment and our ability to fulfil diversity targets. MAF is currently reviewing its ability to recruit and retain staff with the capability required to meet its accountabilities and government’s expectations. It is becoming increasingly difficult to build (or even to maintain) capability in the current labour market environment with no increases in baselines.
- The following graphs illustrate MAF’s people resources.
Financial Resources
- Crown funded outputs where the revenue is not covering the costs of the services provided (Passenger and Mail Clearance); and
- third party funded outputs where the revenue is in excess of the cost of providing the services (Cargo Clearance).
Action underway to amend the Biosecurity Cost Regulations will highlight this issue by bringing the revenue from cargo inspection more in line with the actual costs, thus exposing the shortfall in Crown funding.
- There may be a requirement for significant additional funding to pursue eradication of the Painted Apple Moth, depending on a decision yet to be made by Cabinet.
- The following graphs illustrate the total revenue for Vote Agriculture and Forestry, Vote Biosecurity and Vote Food Safety broken down into Crown revenue and other revenue. These figures are based on the main Estimates for 2002/03. Details of Vote Agriculture and Forestry, Vote Biosecurity and Vote Food Safety by output class are attached as Appendix C.
Vote Agriculture and Forestry Total Revenue based on Main Estimates 2002/03
Vote Biosecurity Total Revenue based on Main Estimates 2002/03
Vote Food Safety Total Revenue based on Main Estimates 2002/03
Crown Entities
- There are two Crown entities within MAF’s area of responsibility. These are:
- The Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT) – AGMARDT was established in 1987 with the objective of promoting and encouraging the New Zealand agricultural, pastoral, horticultural and forestry industries. It supports research and education in agriculture. The Trust concentrates its support on industry sectors where there appears to be inadequate or no support from conventional sources. As part of its education programme, it also offers scholarships for undergraduate students to work for Masterate and PhD degrees in New Zealand universities in fields relating to agriculture.
- Animal Control Products Limited (ACP) – ACP commenced operation in the 1950s, mixing toxins and later manufacturing finished bait products for agencies involved in controlling a wide range of introduced vertebrate pests including rabbits, wallabies, possums, rooks and feral ungulates. ACP undertakes direct sales to government agencies such as the Department of Conservation and regional councils. It has also developed an extensive retail presence with 120 outlets throughout New Zealand, serviced by Mark Bell-Booth Limited. ACP operates a proactive research and development programme and works closely with Landcare Research to enhance its existing products and develop new innovative solutions to serve the pest control industry. Overseas markets are also serviced by ACP’s well-established export capabilities. The Crown Company Monitoring Advisory Unit is responsible for monitoring ACP.
Contact for Enquiries
MAF Information Services
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526
Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Fax: +64 4 894 0721
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