BRIEF REPORT ON SHORT QUARANTINE COURSE TRAINING

HELD: Christchurch & Auckland NZ

Host: Ministry of Primary Industries of New Zealand

Duration: July –September 2015

Participants: Peioneti Lui from QQMD,MAFFF, Tonga.

1

Abstract

This report is a brief review of outcomes from a short term course training at the Ministry of

Primary Industries (MPI) in New Zealand. The course training was funded by New Zealand Aid

in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Training of New Zealand. There were 42

trainees participated and we all local citizens who are newly recruited employees. The two

participants from Tonga were the only foreigners amongst the trainees. Training ran for two

months from 13 July till 4th September before graduation on the 17 September. It was hosted by

Chief Quarantine officer, Morweena and Coworkers of MPI for Development and Training team

Mike, Michelle, Andrew and Colin. The training was conducted in two phases. Phase one was

theory based studies at Scenario, Case of Study and Biosecurity Act 1993 in Christchurch

before moving to Phase two that is circulate practical learning around MPI divisions, air freights

and cargo outlets in Auckland.

2

A. BACKGROUND - MPI

Visions

MPI is an organization which control and regulate the operation of primary industries operation

in New Zealand. Its vision is to maximize growth and protection of country through:

policy and trade - implement trade policies for risk protection and awareness;

risk and assurance – facilitate cooperation with other stakeholders like government and

importers to control and manage risks ;and

current operation – examine current policies and amend where necessary to respond to

current needs.

Focuses

These visions could not get through without some specific focuses to associate along with it.

MPI is aiming to:

maximize export opportunities for NZ primary industries;

improve sector productivity;

ensure the food we produce is safe;

increase sustainable resource use; and

protect NZ from biological risk.

Approaches

The abovementioned focuses will be achieved through taking relevant approaches of ‘enabling’

effective law and policies to govern its operation and close ‘partnership’ with other stakeholders

both at local and international level to promote production and exportation/importation at low

risk. Apparently, the focus is advocating public awareness and building capacities amongst

sectors. The positive outcome would lead to a sustainable use and protection of primary natural

resources and biodiversity from threats.

Networking of Information

3

MPI is building capacities and improve accessibility to relevant information and laws regarding

their operation through uploading those online and social media where it is accessed by many

around the world. These sites are:

KOTAHI;

citesnz.pbworks.com;

species plus.net;

doc.govt.nz; and others.

Values

MPI hold certain fundamental values which rooted in the heart of their operation mainly when

dealing with public. These are:

Respect – appreciating cultural differences and showing appropriate expressions and

manner when dealing with people;

Connect- establish clear communication with public;

Trust – honest dealings such as attempting to correct wrongs when arise; and

Deliver- learns to take appropriate steps or solutions for dealing with all sorts of

situations.

Four Years Strategic Plan

MPI has implemented a target for the coming years. A strategic plan was formulated to direct its

operation. The plan aims at enabling and doubling growth of the primary industry, effective risk

management and strengthens their environment performance.

MPI is a great organization with people who are personate and committed to their work. If we

are to continue action with purpose it is essential we all know where we are going and how we

are going to get there.

Delivering our priorities – identify a set of initiatives that would put our priorities into

actions. The portfolio will change as we build our capability to support our primary

sector. Initiatives will come and go through the portfolio as work progresses to ensure

we stay focus on the right thing. Some of the initiatives are already well underway;

others are at an early stage.

Priority smart regulations – smart and effective regulators should make it easier for

people to comply then not to comply.

4

Growing economy increase demand- essential to deliver our operational activities to the

highest standard.

Operational excellent – means meeting our stakeholders need and keeping our staff

engaged and empowered and continually improving our diagnostic activities.

International Access –making it easier for NZ primary sectors products to be sold to

consumers all over the world.

Provenance and Traceability – NZ reputation rest on the trust of our trading partners and

consumers that our products are authentic and can be easily traceable

Positions, Productions and investments – we are investing in infrastructure and system

that will ensure NZ primary industries remain world leading.

Ensuring relationships: So much of what we are trying to achieve for NZ depends on the

actions of others which is why commitment to long tern high integrity relationship is so

important.

Phase 1: Operation of MPI

Marae Visit

5

On the second day of the training we went on a one day camping visit to the Marae in

Christchurch.

The purpose of this trip is for the trainees to learn,

acknowledge and respect cultural aspects of the

indigenous people of NZ the Māoris. A wonderful trip it

was, we get to see the traditional greetings involved

before entering the Marae and also observe the inns of

the Marae and the different carvings and designs on the

wall. It was said that these different carvings depict the

status and aspects of their cultural heritage and

ancestors. I was fortunate to learn about the traditional

Maori way of greeting a guest, it through nose to nose

as opposed to the western expression of shaking hands.

The impression of entering the marae was very sacred and majestic in the way the designs are

made and the high respect the Maori have for the marae. Upon entrance, shoes are left outside

because the floor that you are about to enter is sacred. The marae has its own tapoo or

forbidden rules and breaking of those rules is a serious offence often lead to execution.

The relevance of this trip to our training has

enlightened our view of the importance of

respecting and protecting our culture. Our culture

consists of our land, biodiversity and our people

from external threats like diseases and climate

change. This is the fundamental value upheld by

MPI is to regulate the importation of products to

NZ to ensure that it would not affect the local

production and agricultural produce of NZ.

Major Tasks

6

MPI's work covers primary production, exports, imports, food safety, biosecurity, fisheries, and

animal welfare. The work we do is governed by about 50 Acts of Parliament and 150

regulations.

MPI operates with designated duties and responsibilities to protect NZ from risk goods and

promote economic growth in National agricultural produce. In performing these responsibilities,

the focus is associated with the tasks of promoting:

i. Importation controls on imported goods to make sure no unwanted pests or diseases

enter the country, and that food is safe to eat. MPI is working hard to reduce trade

barriers for importers without compromising our standards.

ii. Exportation – New Zealand's primary industries generate about $30 billion a year in

exports. MPI's role is to provide trusted assurances to importing countries that our

products meet their requirements. This activity helps maximize primary sector

exports.

iii. Food Safety - Secure meat production from Food and Mouth Diseases;

iv. Food Fly Host - Secure food flies from local food production; and

v. Honey Bee Production – Secure from Foul Broad, a devastating disease.

Divisions of MPI

There are numerous sections in the MPI which all have specific duties in protecting and

maximizing primary industries in NZ.

1. Compliance & Intelligence – implement policies and ensure full compliance with

statutory requirements and polices are made with all imports and exports of NZ.

Risk Assessment & Planning

- Aim

- Risk

- Option

- Control of Risks

- Plan

IHS Regulation

7

RAW TCM

- Items: includes Fresh vegetable etc.

- Personal Consignment etc.

- Interceptions: Unwanted Pest etc.

- Regulated: Non-regulated & Regulated Pest etc.

- Treated: Fumigation etc.

Information & Intelligence

- Manager

- Knowledge

- Introduction

- Data

Level of Intelligence

- Strategic

- Operation

- Tactical

The Intelligence Cycle

8

Raw A.P P.M

Non-ViableViable

Seed Inspection

HT Release/HT

Direction

Security

- Have awareness to protect the Country

- Intelligence Planning & Coordination

- National Intelligence Term

- Intelligence & Targeting Team

Team Cooperate

E.g. MPI

Immigration

Police

Custom

- ITT Intelligence Product Example

Direction

Collection

Procession

Diversion

- Compliance Intelligence Frame Work

Information: Special Operation, Community Resources,

Establish Relationship.

9

- Which right way processing go through.

- Information much you can

- Duties reinforce working more unique & relevant

- PRA

- Checking along is following well the processing.

Seek Additional Information: Narrowing option down

Analysis: Simply which optional which has more effective &

reasonable.

Direct Intent: Lack operation, Prevent the risk.

CITES

Intelligence

- Investigate illegal drugs

- Hacked

- Security and Protection

- investigate routes of risks country

2. BCA - Border Clearance Area

This division aims to protect NZ border from any unwanted pets or threats to its local

production and illegal importations. This is done by implementing risk management plans

and procedure to monitor risk goods and threats on imports.

Sea Craft clearance procedurei. Pre border assessment at ITOC

ii. Inspection and Verification

iii. Place of first arrival

iv. Contact associated Agency in NZ for documentation and purpose of travel.

Sea Freight

Check for:

i. Import Entries

ii. Bill of landing

iii. Commercial invoice

iv. Sea container

v. Declarations

vi. MPI profile

vii. Custom Link

10

viii. Limited App for inspection per day is 530 parcels

Managing Risk offshoreix. Containers with fresh fruits have high risks. Sample is taken for inspection

x. If insect found is more than 1. Then it’s rejected instantly. Otherwise going to

harm country.

Transition and Containment Facility

xi. Chain in logistic help manage risk across many industries operator structural

requirement.(trace pathway of goods )

xii. Structural requirement – industry operator to be clear on the particulars of

goods and routes.

Balancing legislation with tragedy

- Import live animal in safety cage BUT make sure is free from disease

Air craft clearancei. Check for place of first arrival

ii. Passengers and Cargo – arrival card and luggages

iii. Disinsection – check certification of aircraft for disinsection

iv. Resourcing- equipments in the aircraft

Passengers Pathwayi. Social Marketing/Profile/Declaration Card – confirm receipts or permits and receipts.

Goes from there to searching bench;

ii. Screen Inspection- If doubt, then send to x-ray /detective dog; and

iii. If clear then release if not then hold. Prohibited goods will be dumbed in the amnesty

bins.

N.Z Biosecurity System-A post border perspective

11

Biosecurity System

- Passenger

- Cargo & Mail outlet

- Craft

Biosecurity Risk

- Biosecurity

- Economic

- Stakeholder expectation

- Human Healthy

- Environmental

- Reputation

- Political

- Legal

- Trade

Clearance inspection on a vessel

- Verify risk associated

- Confirm & verifying documentation

- Vessel processing

- Check for BCP procedure

- Identify non-compliance & compliance

3. Entomology – perform thorough investigation

How do find potential risk organization

- Active Surveillance

- Passive Surveillance

12

Unauthorized vs Unclear

Plane Vessel

Apple Container

Border Clearance Area Transition

Facility

Release (Exit) Release (Exit)

Direction

- Under Biosecurity Act 1993 (s33(1)(b)) Moving the Craft outside N.Z territory immediately

within a period specified by the inspector.

Clearance

- Under Biosecurity Act 1993 (s25) All Good must be under clearance before entry N.Z.

4. BACC - Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate

This division issue permits and clearance certificates for all exports products.

5. Laboratory – Diagnose any disease or surgery of risk good

Diagnostics & Response

- Diagnostics Lab operates to :

- Identify exotic pest & disease provide biological and organization advise;

- Response adviser in managing process for planning, preparedness & responding to risk

organism;

- Biosecurity Readiness: 2015-2016 Priorities, Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak

worldwide & viable disease easily spread from 1 to another.

- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), Legal status: Unwanted organism, this insect is

NOT present in New Zealand but we would like to know if you have seen it here.

13

- Myrtle Rust; is a serious fungal disease of plants that has not, as yet, been detected in New Zealand. The fungus attacks various species of plants in the Myrtaceae family, also known as the Myrtle family.

6. CITES – Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Function of CITE’s

Functions

Deal with wild fauna and flora.

Protect over 35 thousand species of plants and animals include live animals and plants

as well as parts of them of product made from them through an international permitting

system.

Level of regulations and type of permit required is based on the degree of threat host to

that species from international trade

14

CITE’s

Country

Endangered

Multiagency Responsibility

Convention

Documentation

Endangered

Coral/Animal

Requirement

3 Appendices

- Country Agreement

- Derivatives- Live/Dead- Parts

- Trade Information

- Decision making

- TCM- U.S Ginseng

- Threated exploite

- International Trade Endangered Species

- Manufactured/Un-Manufactured

- Flora - Fauna

As a border official – vital role in ensuring the sustainability legality and traceability of the

international trade in wild life.

- Most items containing CITES listed species required a permit to enter NZ.

Requirements for Imports to NZ

For import into NZ, the following permits are required;

i. import permit and document of export and re-export permit from country of export

ii. Types of permit: May present at border, Pre convention certificate, Certificate

acquisition, Artificial propagated certificate, Introduction from the sea certificate,

Travelling exhibition certificate

-

iii. Border Clearance Procedure

BCP-INSP-PATHWAY-VESSELS

Change of vessel Master

- Master declaration a new document is issued

Bali’s Water Discharge (BWD)

- A new document is issued

Biosecurity direction Craft

- Provide new Form

Biosecurity Marine Resources Narrative (BMR)

- Date/Time of inspection Verification

- Craft location

- Craft details

- Result of Biosecurity Craft Risk Record (BCRR)

High number of trap to catch fruit flies

- Active surveillance is hard work

15

- Passive Surveillance Pest & Disease Hotline

MPI Cooperate with

- Horticulture

- Veterinarians

- Farmers

- Grown Research

- University

- Member of public

- Other Part of MPI

- Quarantine Facilities

- Regional Council

Animal Welfare

- Avoid people from careless looking after the animal and mitigate it in a good standard

than maintain healthy and minimize animal from dying hunger.

Risk Reduction

- Import

- Vessel

- Passenger

- Mail

- Air

- Sea

IDC & R (Surveillance and Incursion Investigation)

- Investigated suspected border bridges

- Develop programs for the collection or a data to interpretation and timely dimension

Fisheries

- Undersize infringement Illegal Fishing - Prosecute and fine

- Patrol on air and water

16

Risk Pre-border – Border – Surveillance – Response – Eradication

(International) (Pathway) (Modelling) (Initial Response) (Long-term Control)

- Surveillance to seize illegal fishing

7. IHS- International Health Standard

MPI intends to promote health safety in its operation in terms of its employees in handling risk

goods and also in line of carrying out their various tasks. In doing so there are policies schemes

which stipulate insurance and compensations for employees if injured during the line of work

they are the Health Safety Employment Accident (HSEA) and Personal Protective Apparel

(PPA)

What can stop a speeding bullet or bomb fragments, repel fire, and protect the wearer from

caustic or toxic substances and even the deadliest of pathogens? Personal Protective Apparel

(PPA) can. It is a superhero of safety.

Originally, PPA meant adding on an additional layer of clothing to protect the employee from

grease or dirt. As time and technology met the larger needs of our workplaces, PPA has taken a

lead role in employee protection from all hazards. No longer an afterthought of the workplace,

PPA takes front and center stage for selection options, material and construction, wearablilty,

comfort, and sizes.

17

PHASE 2: PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES AT THE TRAINING (Auckland)

In Auckland, we have been assigned to do internships in some of the cargo outlets and

airfreights. In doing so, I have managed to carry out the following quarantine activities.

Inspection at Air New Zealand Air Freight

The procedure involved in the inspection of airway bills, parcel and cartons came on the aircraft

will go through prior inspection procedure of:

i. manifest screening of airway bills and mark the type of commodities (fresh produce and

agricultural products) due for inspection;

ii. If live insect found then importer(s) are informed of the options to take. Options are to

hold for treatment, seize and destroy or reshipment. For live insect it is taken to MPI

laboratory to test whether it is regulated (existed) or non-regulated (never existed). If

found to be regulated then, it is treated. If found to be non-regulated then it is seized or

reshipped. However, if insect found to be new and harmful then the importer will be

fined.

iii. If screened and found clear then parcel is released instantly.

Practically, high risk goods are usually found in private consignment as opposed to commercial

goods. This is due to fact that private exporters or suppliers do not necessarily comply with risk

management such as correct labeling, pest treatment and proper sealing.

Commercial goods will comply because it is often in huge tones and on a profit making basis. In

that, special care is taken by exporters to ensure it reaches its destination. As opposed to

private consignment, they usually opt for destruction of goods if hold as it is costly to treat even

to reship.

In terms of treatment there are several of methods used for treating pest ranging from

fumigation, frozen, ingenerated and radiation.

18

AircraftAir

Freight-Screening

MPI Main Lab Importer Release

The Limited Application in a day for inspection is 230 parcels per day.

1. Fresh Flower Cut (Orchids) I have carried out the inspection of these fresh flower cuts and the particulars are

following:

Weight - 100 plus cartons

Purpose: commercial use

Inspection Outcome: No pest

found therefore all was released.

(left: picture of the fresh orchid

cuts imported from Thailand)

2. Fresh Vegetables – Capsicum

Screen inspection of fresh red capsicum imported from Fiji. Particulars are:

Weight: 100 plus cartons

Purpose: Commercial use

Equipment used: Tray, Eyepiece and mac lamp

Outcome: Clear and release

(left: picture of capsicum when inspected)

3. Brown Coconut

These brown coconuts were already husked and cleaned imported from Fiji. There were 50

cartons and it was imported for commercial purpose.

Outcome of Inspection: Earwick insect was found in one of the cartons and therefore it was

hold for treatment. This kind of insect is regulated in NZ so it’s qualified for treatment.

4. Fresh Strawberries

19

These fresh fruits were imported from Australia. It was more than 100 cartons and for

commercial selling. It was inspected and found free of pest then released.

5. Fresh Flora Cut

These fresh flowers were imported from Fiji and its more than 50 cartons. The purpose of

importation is for commercial selling.

When inspected, two insects, mite and thribs were found and therefore were hold for

treatments. The insects found have already been found in NZ and therefore due for

treatment. The reason for taking this option is to reduce the spread of these existing

insects.

Dolls Company Ltd (Cargo Warehouse)

I also managed to go to one of the warehouses in Auckland and carry out some inspection

tasks.

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine

There were 500 cartons in this parcel and they were imported from China for commercial

selling.

When inspected an insect called Brer was found amongst the cartons. Therefore cartons

were hold for testing. The technical institution responsible for detailed examination of

traditional herbal medicines is the CITES.

It is required that all traditional Chinese medicines should use simplified Chinese characters,

some packages used traditional Chinese characters, which are more decorative but still

recognizable. If there is uncertainties to characters used in labeling products or characters

used are unfamiliar then MPI officials usually responded by informing the Importers that the

items will be seized or detained for further identification.

2. Chinese Herbs

The items were 5 cartons and were declared to be plant products imported from China.

When inspected, it was alleged that the herbs powder were processed from animal feathers.

I observed the MPI senior officer testing the herbs powder by burning it and then inhale the

fumes from the power. There are certain aromas which are identified to be that of plant

20

products and animal products. In this case, it was held that alleged aroma is classified as

animal products.

Therefore, the carton was hold to be taken to CITES for thorough examination as to what

type of animal product engaged in the production of these herbs. The reason behind this is

the threat awareness for the food and mouth diseases present in animals which have not

been found in NZ.

3. Plant Product

Inspection of 5 cartons of plant products from China The result found a plant disease called

American ginseng and the carton was hold to seize. This was found when comparing the

features of the plant product with those identified features of the disease in a book.

4. Bird Nest from China

One carton of bird nest was imported from China for private use. It was hold to seize

because of the bird flu threats.

Customs Warehouse

I have also had the opportunity to visit the Customs Warehouse and assist with inspection task

there.

1. Indian herbs seeds and spices.

Some vegetables seeds and herbs contained in 3 cartons were inspected and it was clear

and release.

Inspection of seeds – opens one package and pours it into a tray and use the eyepiece to

screen. Check package for proper labeling.

2. Clothing Parcels

The parcel contained brand new clothes and shoes and the inspection was clear If the

shows were second hand, then it will be thoroughly inspected for soil contamination.

21

Auckland Mail Centre

Moreover, I have been to the mail centre to inspect post mails and packages. The procedure

involves:

i. scanning all mails in the x-ray machine; and

ii. separate ones with green lights and blue lights as they are the one due for further

inspection.

1. Honey from AustraliaOne mail parcel was detected in the machine and later found that it was a zip lock of 1 litre

honey syrup. It was hold, and then owner will be informed that the parcel will be destroyed

and reasons associated with that decision. The reason for its seizure is that honey is

prohibited from being imported into NZ from anywhere around the world. This is due to the

threat awareness of the Foul Broad disease in honey bees which would destroy the honey

production in NZ if existed.

Observations on the work procedures at the Air Freight, Cargo and Mail Centre

There are few takeaways that I have picked up when I go around these different institutions.

These are related to the documentations of the parcels.

I have learnt that the permit and any documents associated with the parcel have to be

the original form and duplicates are never allowed.

Another is related to the labeling of products. The labeling has to be complete and

accurate otherwise it will be seized or hold for reshipment.

The particular in the permit has to be fulfilled and clear like dates, type of commodities

and of course the signatures of the issuing officer.

The importance of knowing the principle laws and regulations which stipulated your

particular duties, scope of rights and liabilities. This would reduce misunderstanding

between clients and quarantine officer, as officer would know his rights under the law.

22

Recommendations and Conclusion

This training had invested a vast range of knowledge and skills about the significant roles of MPI

in terms of economic growth in exports, social and food security and of course a sustainable

environment. I have also got to learn the pathways of inspection process as well as risk

management procedures. Moreover, I have learnt to ensure clear communication and build

polite relations when dealing with public.

It is nevertheless that this training has enhance our knowledge and quarantine skills which

would enable us to takeaway these useful skills and apply it in our home country with the aim to

improve current working standards and current policies at hand.

Interestingly, I am very fortunate to join this training and it is my recommendation that for the

purpose of future trainings, it is vital that Tonga upon granted opportunity should continue to

participate. The training helps to train quarantine officers in all aspects like cargo, airfreight and

also shipments outlets. Let alone, it emphasizes the importance of establishing good relations

with public and how to deal with hostile importers.

23