Damien

O’CONNOR

Spokesperson for Primary Industries

28 May 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT
Assurances from Guy hardly reassuring

Despite ‘assurances’ from Minister of Primary Industries Nathan Guy that New Zealand meat held up in China has been given official clearance, there is still no guarantee of when it might be moved from ports, Labour’s Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O’Connor says.

“In the last few weeks we have heard all sorts of ‘confirmations’ from Mr Guy. He told us the issue was resolved on May 18. He told us the same thing two days later on May 20, then again on May 23.

“He’s now ‘optimistic’ that containers will start moving ‘soon’, or at least by the end of the week.

“Mr Guy is responsible for this chaotic situation. All primary sectors engaged in exporting who require certification from the Ministry deserve more than the same old assurance from him that the issue is being sorted once and for all.

“Prime Minister, John Key, who raised the issue of compensation just a few days ago, now can’t explain what potential reparation might be available to meat companies affected by the hold-up.

“That, of course leads into some pretty murky territory around possible payments to other primary sectors claiming compensation from the Ministry of Primary Industries for mistakes made.

“Food Safety New Zealand, like Biosecurity New Zealand, should be independent from the Ministry of Primary Industries.

“That would give exporters and importers the confidence that their requirements can be met and fully audited, thus protecting New Zealand’s economy.”

ENDS

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