How Many Pests Are Here For the Rugby World Cup?

All New Zealand's commercial fruit and vegetable growers are concerned we've welcomed a variety of new pests into the country, along with thousands of rugby fans.

An investigation by TV3's Firstline has revealed what all growers feared - that the Rugby World Cup has been used as a reason to significantly reduce New Zealand's border protection.

More than 270,000 passengers have walked straight out of our international airports without having their bags x-rayed. Last month, half of the Trans-Tasman arrivals were not x-rayed.

Horticulture New Zealand believes the 100% baggage screening Kiwis are familiar with at our international airports encourages their awareness of the importance of biosecurity risk to this country.

It influences passenger behaviour and has created generations of Kiwis who understand why border protection and biosecurity are critical for New Zealand's horticulture and agriculture industries.

"If we are simply doing this to save 15 minutes for rugby fans, then I really hope they've got this right," HortNZ president Andrew Fenton says.

"Because the risk is enormous - $800 million alone, just in the Bay of Plenty, not to mention upwards of 5000 jobs lost.

"All it takes is one Queensland Fruit Fly, found in one monitoring trap, on one orchard. International markets will close to us, for at least a year, if not longer.

HortNZ is still very concerned by the attitude of government to make Trans-Tasman travel "domestic-like".

"The fact is, the trip between Brisbane and anywhere in New Zealand should never be 'domestic-like'. The risk is too high.

"This government initiative could turn out to be a very expensive decision, if one fruit fly halts New Zealand fruit exports all to save visitors a few minutes at the airport."

For further comment:

Andrew Fenton, President, Horticulture New Zealand, mob: 027 493 0123