Following the discovery of an unwanted beetle from Germany, National's Biosecurity spokesperson Eric Roy has today renewed his call for protocols around imported materials passing through our boarders to be reviewed.

"The Government needs to be reminded that biosecurity is a much wider issue than just lessening the risks inbound passengers bring.

"We must increase the surveillance at every boarder site. Risks to New Zealand's biosecurity are ongoing and protocols around importing the likes of machinery and materials must be reviewed. The fact that I have an identified beetle from Germany in my office is testimony."

Mr Roy said a South Island importer found the beetle in one of the many food containers he was importing.

"Apart from the risk to New Zealand, it is not unreasonable to expect higher standards given that the imported container was for a value-added product that is an approved organic food," he said.

The black beetle will be sent to MAF for identification and inquiries as to how it got here.

Ends

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