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Recent MAF Releases

Pest mosquito eliminated from Kaipara
29 August 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has successfully eliminated the Southern salt marsh mosquito (SSM) from the Kaipara area, ending some six years of treatment and surveillance activity.
Action underway against marine pest in Lyttelton Port
28 August 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) is about to test its armoury of marine pest treatment weapons against the introduced Mediterranean fanworm which was recently detected in Lyttelton Port.
NAWAC Annual Report Released
26 August 2008
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) issued its 2007 Annual Report today.
MAF grants $0.39M for community irrigation and water storage
25 August 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) today announced seven successful grant recipients under its first funding round of the Community Irrigation Fund (CIF) which provides support to promoters of community irrigation and water storage schemes.
One Farmer, three farms, 445 sheep euthanased
12 August 2008
Otago farmer John Dempster was today sentenced in the Dunedin District Court for failing to maintain the welfare needs of his sheep.
South Island benefits from strong dairy and wine growth
7 August 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) says the South Island agricultural sector is benefiting from strong growth in the dairy and wine industries.
Forestry sector faces productivity challenges and environmental opportunities
6 August 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) says productivity improvements, increased focus on market and product development, as well as emerging opportunities such as carbon sequestration and alternative energy sources will shape future growth in the forestry industry.
Strong dairy sector underpins agriculture's economic importance
5 August 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is predicting the strength of the dairy sector will reinforce agriculture's cornerstone position in the New Zealand economy over the next five years.
NZ primary sector forecasts encouraging
5 August 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is forecasting solid growth for the primary sector over the next five years despite the tougher immediate economic outlook both internationally and locally.
New South Island Controlled Area for varroa bee mite
1 August 2008
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has established a new South Island Controlled Area for the varroa bee mite.

Last Month's Media Releases

Farmer charged with wilful ill-treatment of cattle
23 July 2008
North Wellsford farmer Keith Thomas pleaded guilty to 5 charges under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 earlier in March this year for allowing stock in his care to suffer from malnutrition.
2007 National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) Annual Report Released
15 July 2008
The National Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC) Annual Report was released today. A significant feature of NAEAC’s work in 2007 was the review of a number of the codes of ethical conduct that govern the use of animals in research, testing and teaching.
West Coast forest industry report released
11 July 2008
The West Coast Forest Industry and Wood Availability Forecast Report is now available. This report comments on the wood availability in the West Coast area and the opportunities and constraints facing the region's forest industry.
Mediterranean fanworm widespread in Lyttelton Port
3 July 2008
A thorough search of the Lyttelton Port and surrounding marine environment for the pest marine species the Mediterranean fanworm has revealed the organism is widespread in the inner harbour.
Concealed fighting fish seized at border
2 July 2008
The interception of six live Siamese fighting fish in a parcel at the International Mail Centre in Auckland highlights an on-going problem, says MAF Biosecurity New Zealand.

Archived Media Releases

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MAF Communications
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Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington

Tel: +64 4 894 0100
Fax: +64 4 894 0300
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