The New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) must consult with interested parties before issuing or amending (other than of minor nature) standards in accordance with Section 22 of the Biosecurity Act (1993) and Biosecurity New Zealand’s consultation policy. MAF must ensure that new requirements are technically justified and provide an appropriate level of biosecurity protection.

This is a revised version of the MAF Standard 'Specification for the registration of plant quarantine and containment facilities, PBC-NZ-TRA-PQCON.' Comments have already been received by some groups, where possible we have incorporated changes into this document. For all other points which have not been addressed here, MAF will reply to each point in the new year. Ticksheets will also be included in each appendix.

A copy of the draft standard for 'Quarantine Facilities for Plants' can be viewed on the MAF website at:
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/strategy-and-consultation/consultation/operations-standards 

Comments on these draft documents should be forwarded to MAF by close of business on Friday, February 9 2007. MAF encourages respondents to forward comments electronically to the email address below. However, should you wish to forward submissions in writing, please send them to the address that follows:

Tamsin Smales
Pre-Clearance Directorate
Biosecurity New Zealand
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
New Zealand

Fax: +64 4 894 0733
Email: standards@maf.govt.nz 

Please see the MAF Biosecurity New Zealand website for additional information on ‘Making a submission’: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/strategy-and-consultation/consultation 


Submissions received by the closure date will be considered for the final issue of this standard. Submissions received after the closure date may be held on file for consideration when the issued standard is next revised/reviewed.

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.