OIA21-0051
17 February 2021
Mike Hunua
[FYI request #14483 email]
Dear Mike Hunua
Thank you for your email of 19 January 2021 requesting information relating to the powers
Quarantine Officers can use. Your request has been considered under the Official
Information Act 1982 (OIA).
You requested;
“Could you provide the powers that a Quarantine/Bio-security officer can use such as those
stationed at Airport and Ports”
Per section 18(d) of the OIA,
powers that a Quarantine Officer (referred to as an Inspector in
the Act) are outlined in the Biosecurity Act 1993. The Act is publicly available at the following
link:
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0095/latest/DLM314623.html
In terms of officers stationed at airports and port, please refer to the following sections of the
Biosecurity Act 1993
• Section 31 Boarding of craft-
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0095/latest/DLM315308.html
The word craft includes both aircraft and vessels. This section is for an Inspector
going on board a craft, checking for risk goods, and inspecting the craft (where
required)
• Section 34 Disembarkation-
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0095/latest/DLM315313.html
• Section 35 Duties of persons in biosecurity control areas
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0095/latest/DLM315314.html
These sections relate to the clearance of disembarking passengers, crew, and
baggage.
• Section 30A Processing unaccompanied goods-
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0095/latest/DLM315305.html
• Section 121 Power to examine organisms-
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0095/latest/DLM316321.html
These sections includes inspection, checking for the presence or absence of any
pests, taking samples of an organism and identification.
• Section 25 Goods to be cleared for entry into New Zealand
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0095/latest/DLM315289.html
Charles Fergusson Building, 34-38 Bowen Street
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140, New Zealand
mpi.govt.nz
• Section 26 Clearances by Inspectors
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0095/latest/DLM315292.html
These sections cover the processes for goods going for inspection and other
processes if required, and Inspectors giving directions or clearance.
I trust the information provided is of assistance. Should you have any concerns with this
response, I would encourage you to raise these with the Ministry for Primary Industries at
[email address]. Alternatively, you are advised of your right to also raise
any concerns with the Office of the Ombudsman. Contact details are: Office of the
Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wellington 6143 or at
[email address]. Yours sincerely
Steve Gilbert
Central/South Regional Commissioner
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