Media Release

1 May 2000

NBA Welcomes Extra Funding For Survey Work

"The National Beekeepers' Association welcomes the extra $1.35m Cabinet today approved for continued survey work to determine the spread of Varroa mite," said Mr Terry Gavin, President of the National Beekeepers' Association.

"The NBA is pleased that this important work can continue so that the true extent of the mite incursion can be determined."

"The taxpayers' input of $980,000 to date is not insubstantial, but it is a small cost to pay to determine the mite's spread so that it can be eliminated. The sum is minuscule compared to what New Zealand's primary production will have to bear if there is an ongoing problem," continued Mr Gavin.

"Beekeepers take this pest very seriously and the industry has contributed significantly itself in the last 20 days." "Beekeepers' volunteered time, working alongside MAF officials in the field, is in the order of $1/4 to $1/2 million," said Mr Gavin.

"The industry is indebted to these people giving their time so generously. Without their input, it would take much longer to defeat this pest."

ENDS For further information, please contact: Terry Gavin, 09 433 1893 Lin McKenzie 025 357 970

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