Outcome 3

Healthy New Zealanders

The focus of this outcome is the contribution the primary production and domestic food industries make to our health and wellbeing. It includes both the contribution made by the food production, processing and retail industries, and MAF's wider role in managing the incursion of pests and diseases harmful to the public. It recognises the contribution biosecurity plays in human health and enjoyment of the environment through early detection of pests and diseases.

State indicators:

Number, type and impact of food-borne illnesses in New Zealand.
Level of non-compliance with New Zealand food standards.
Incidence of disease and adverse health effects in humans caused by biosecurity pests.
Health effects from biosecurity activities.
Impact of harmful biosecurity pests on the quality of New Zealand's recreational and cultural use and experience of the environment.

What MAF Does...

Performance Measures

Collaboration

Intermediate Outcome 3.1:

Safe and suitable food for New Zealanders

MAF has a lead role in protecting consumers from food related risks. This is essential, not only for domestic consumers but also for New Zealand's international reputation. The protection and promotion of consumer health is a major goal. Although industry must take responsibility for producing safe and suitable food, MAF's risk-based approach manages food standards and their compliance within the industry.

Further development of a risk-based approach to food management, standards and business models.
Development and strengthening of concepts, internal systems and processes for managing emergencies and food recalls.
Review of standards and systems for imports, especially for high risks and new and emerging risks.
Measurement and review of the legislation, performance, hazard levels and trends in the food regulatory programme.
Improvement in methods for effectively communicating information and consulting with stakeholder groups in an active and open way.

MAF is currently finalising the Domestic Food Review, which focuses on how food is regulated for safety and suitability. The review involves public health units, territorial authorities, consumers and key industry representatives in order to manage all stages of the food industry.

MAF also works in conjunction with Food Standards Australia New Zealand in the setting of joint food standards.

Intermediate Outcome 3.2:

Reduced impacts on human health and wellness from biosecurity pests and pest management activities

MAF plays an important role in managing the detection of, and response to, biosecurity pests and the need to recognise and respond to changing public expectations about biosecurity and the acceptability of pest management tools such as aerial spraying and the laying of poisons.

Development and implementation of a communications strategy addressing stakeholder management, public awareness and the most effective use of communications media.
Assurance that pest management tools used are safe and appropriate.

MAF works closely with the local community, public health units, Police and iwi as evidenced in the aerial application of ant bait to eradicate Red Imported Fire Ants from Napier. Human health was a key factor in determining the type of bait used and its application in the eradication operation. Local community awareness and support was important in the successful eradication of the ant.

Contact for Enquiries