Fine for failing to declare risky plants

An air traveller who deliberately failed to declare plant materials to quarantine officers has been fined $3,300 by the Manukau District Court.

Arriving at Auckland Airport from China in April, the traveler ticked the "no" box next to the question on her declaration card asking whether she was bringing plants into New Zealand. A baggage search revealed seeds concealed in three bags of food and in a hand towel. Two plant cuttings were also found in her baggage, and another in her jacket pocket.

Plant cuttings are a serious biosecurity risk for the kiwifruit industry (and others) and KVH fully supports the courts and Ministry for Primary Industries taking strong action where people deliberately flout the rules and attempt to bring risk items into the country that could be carrying pests or diseases.

Read more about the fine and other recent biosecurity convictions here.