EFFECTIVE 16 JULY 2021, THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE HAS PLACED A “SUSPENSION” ON PASSENGERS BRINGING IN PLANTS AND PLANT MATERIALS FROM NEW ZEALAND. THIS SUSPENSION WILL REMAIN IN PLACE UNTIL WE LOCATE ANOTHER MINISTRY OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES (MPI) APPROVED FACILITY IN NZ TO TREAT THESE PLANTS & PLANT MATERIALS.
TO DATE, THERE ARE 3 SITES IN NZ THAT FUMIGATE PLANTS, BUT THIS ONLY KILLS THE INSECTS THAT WE CAN SEE, IT DOES NOT DESTROY BACTERIA. THE “DIPPING” OF PLANTS IN TREATMENT IS THE PREFERRED ACTION. WE ADVISE ALSO THAT SOME PLANTS DO NOT SURVIVE THE FUMIGATION PROCESS.
WE HAVE, IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, ALLOWED PASSENGERS TO BRING THEIR PLANTS TO RAROTONGA, HAND IT OVER TO THE BIOSECURITY OFFICERS AT THE AIRPORT AND WE TREAT THESE AT OUR PLANT TREATMENT AREA IN ARORANGI. THIS WILL NO LONGER BE ALLOWED! THE RISKS ASSOCIATED ARE TOO HIGH FOR US TO CONTINUE THIS PROCESS.
OUR BIOSECURITY TEAM ARE REVIEWING OPTIONS AND FACILITIES (WITHIN THE VICINITY OF AUCKLAND) WHERE PLANTS CAN BE TAKEN TO BE TREATED BEFORE ENTRY INTO THE COOK ISLANDS. ONCE CONFIRMED, WE WILL ADVISE THE PUBLIC.
FOR TRAVELLERS INTENDING TO BRING IN PLANTS ON YOUR RETURN TO THE COOK ISLANDS, IT IS ADVISABLE TO CONTACT THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE FIRST, ON 28711 OR 28710, PRIOR TO DEPARTURE OR BEFORE YOU RETURN.
DO NOT SMUGGLE PLANTS OR PLANT MATERIALS IN YOUR LUGGAGE!!
OUR COMBINED EFFORTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROTECT OUR BORDERS FROM THE INTRUSION OF EXOTIC PESTS AND DISEASES. WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY IN SAFEGUARDING OUR BORDERS AND THEREFORE YOU MUST PLAY YOUR PART.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT.
MRS TEMARAMA ANGUNA-KAMANA
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
