MAF releases scope of independent review of kiwifruit imports

24 February 2012

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) today released the Terms of Reference and details of the person who will conduct the independent review of the importation of kiwifruit pollen, plant material, fruit, nursery stock and horticultural equipment.

The review is a response to kiwifruit industry concerns about biosecurity measures and the kiwifruit vine disease /Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae/ (Psa) first detected in New Zealand in November 2010.

The review will be conducted by David Moore, the Chief Executive of Sapere Research Limited, an independent Australasian strategic analyst consultancy. Mr Moore has extensive senior public sector and private sector experience. Throughout the review he will report to MAF Director General Wayne McNee.

Mr McNee says the review comes at the request of the kiwifruit industry body Kiwifruit Vine Health Inc (KVH) and the Minister for Primary Industries.

“The report will be provided to me by the end of April 2012 and its findings will be made public within an appropriate timeframe,” Mr McNee says.

The full Terms of Reference document is available at: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/pests/psa/review-report-tor.pdf

There will be no further MAF comment on the review until it is complete.

ENDS

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