The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has prepared a Discussion Document for consultation with stakeholders about the requirements for bulk testing of plant material in post entry quarantine:

The document applies to all imported nursery stock or seed for sowing that requires pre-determined testing whilst in PEQ. The intent of the document is to clarify when and how bulk testing of composite samples can be done on plants held in post entry quarantine (PEQ). Additional options that will allow bulk testing to be used for a wider range of testing methods are also proposed.
 

MPI welcomes comments on the proposals in the document, which should be forwarded electronically to plantimports@mpi.govt.nz by the close of business on 21 August 2013. However, should you wish to forward submissions in writing, please send them to the following address:

Plant Imports
Plants, Food & Environment Directorate
Standards Branch
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington
New Zealand

 

Submissions received by the closure date will be taken into consideration when preparing the final version of this document. The final proposals will be incorporated into the nursery stock or seed for sowing import health standards as appropriate. The final document will remain available as guidance information for importers of plant material that requires pre-determined testing.
 

Please note that your submission is public information. Submissions may be the subject of requests for information under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA specifies that information is to be made available to requesters unless there are sufficient grounds for withholding it, as set out in the OIA. Submitters may wish to indicate grounds for withholding specific information contained in their submission, such as the information is commercially sensitive or they wish personal information to be withheld. Any decision to withhold information requested under the OIA is reviewable by the Ombudsman.