Varroa: Incursion will have dire consequences

Labour’s failure to prevent the spread of the varroa bee mite, and the subsequent incursion in Nelson will have dire consequences for the economy, says National Party Biosecuriity spokesman, Shane Ardern.

“A report by the Auditor-General three years ago warned that New Zealand was vulnerable to imported pests and diseases because of gaps in biosecurity.

“It listed bungling and missed opportunities by MAF staff and confusion between and within government departments involving a number of potential invaders, including the varroa bee mite. But Labour has continued to sit on its hands.

“This will inevitably damage New Zealand’s reputation with those internationally who expect us to have better border controls than this.

“This incursion, in the heart of wine country, will not only affect our natural honey supplies but importantly the horticultural, viticultural and agricultural sectors, which rely on pollination. The ongoing effects could be devastating,” says Mr Ardern.

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