35682 (2026). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity

Written Question

Published date: 23 Aug 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	35682 (2026)
Question asked:	09 Aug 2026
Member asking:	Hon Jo Luxton
Portfolio:	Minister for Biosecurity
Minister replying:	Hon Andrew Hoggard
Answer received:	17 Aug 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_35682_2026
Document guid:	417088ac-19e4-452b-9744-b75183e9949a

35682 (2026). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity: What verification, if any, does MPI require beyond visual inspection under clause 3.1 of the draft IHS for Fresh Blueberries for Human Consumption, given internal fruit feeders and latent infections are not reliably detectable by visual inspection?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: I am advised that the characteristics of pests were considered by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) as part of the risk assessment. Information about the risk assessment is available on the MPI consultation page here: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/proposed-import-requirements-for-fresh-blueberries-vaccinium-spp-for-human-consumption.