Aviation company, Menzies Aviation Limited, has been fined $150,000 for breaches of the Biosecurity Act, following an investigation by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Menzies operates 2 MPI-approved transitional facilities at Auckland Airport for handling imported airfreight, containers, and packaging. It is at these facilities that uncleared risk goods go through the necessary biosecurity clearance, the Ministry said in a statement.
In a recent judgement released by the Auckland High Court, Menzies Aviation Limited was ordered to pay the penalty for failing to comply with a compliance order issued by MPI.
“MPI ordered Menzies Aviation Limited to ensure its goods were wrapped in plastic, with no gaps or holes, to prevent any potential and unwanted pests that might be present from escaping,” says MPI regional manager, investigations north, Aleshea Allen.
“Our senior quarantine officers followed up with the company and found 6 consignments of uncleared risk goods improperly wrapped, creating a potential biosecurity risk at our border.”
In addition, senior quarantine officers found the inspection room and facilities did not meet required hygiene standards and were not fit for purpose. There was no biosecurity equipment present to deal with risks and no records available to document required cleaning of the room and training of staff.
“Our expectation is that all companies that handle imported goods meet the requirements of the Biosecurity Act. The rules are there for a reason and the stakes are high as unwanted pests and diseases could have a devastating effect on our communities and economy,” says Ms Allen.
More information about transitional and containment facilities for border clearance.
