Updates to Ministry for Primary Industries

Growing primary industry careers

The future of primary industries won't look the same as it has traditionally. Issues like biosecurity, climate change and animal welfare will require us to find new ways to work. Growing populations, complex global trade and a move toward sustainability will pose new challenges that the industries will have to respond to.

As primary industries grow to meet these challenges, the sector will need researchers, consultants, veterinarians, and people skilled in IT, engineering, robotics and other technological areas.

The sector will need to attract keen, innovative people from diverse backgrounds, including urban areas. They'll need qualifications across a range of subjects from science and technology, to economics, maths and engineering, right through to marketing and human relations.

Workers will need higher qualifications

While parts of the primary industries will continue to generate opportunities for people without formal qualifications, much of the growth will be in highly skilled roles. That will drive demand for diplomas and certificates particularly those that can be gained through in-work training.

In 2012, an estimated 44% of employees in the primary industries had formal, post-school qualifications.
By 2025, it's anticipated this will need to increase to 62% to meet these new demands.

What that means for you, is that a career in primary industries could take you on a varied and rewarding path with plenty of options to continue training and upskilling throughout your working life.

Primary industry champions

To help give you an idea about the kinds of jobs people do in the primary industries, we've interviewed a range of people about their work and what gets them up in the morning.

Video: Overview – growing our future (3:28)

Transcript – show/hide

[Upbeat music plays whilst different scenes of people working in the primary sector are shown – packers on a farm, a woman in a laboratory, a man in a factory busy filleting fish and another man standing on a farm holding open a gate to herd in cows whilst a black utility vehicle (ute) with farm dogs on the back arrives on a paddock with sheep running in the opposite direction. Three metal spiral-shaped mixers attached to a metal bar are mixing fertiliser inside a building, a woman with protective glasses and yellow hard hat is holding a cutter and standing on yellow platform of a moving vehicle that moves through an avocado orchard.

[To help give you an idea about the kinds of jobs people do in the primary industries, we've interviewed a range of people about their work and what gets them up in the morning.]

Richie McCaw: It’s something we all should be proud of. The things that we are able to produce, not only for people in New Zealand but for people around the world, that people really love and need is a pretty cool story.

Craige Mackenzie: Well actually, some of the very best farmers in the world are right here. It’s not something that we always celebrate, but it’s certainly something that we should be more proud of.

Rangitane Marsden: The future is actually in the younger generation.

Hannah Wallace: There’s a lot of opportunities out there for people, they just need to grab them.

Ian Proudfoot: Any job you want to do, you can do in the primary sector in New Zealand.

Erica van Reenan: There’s huge opportunities for pretty much any career.

Emily Tasker: It’s this perception that agriculture is just farming, and it’s not. You get to start businesses, it’s got so much potential to use all these new technologies. It’s really cool.

Shay Wright: It’s more than just the business. It's actually about how do we create better opportunities for communities, as well as better opportunities for our environment.

Gabi Michael: For me that’s sustainability. I’m building something that’s not all about returns.

Sonia Waddell: We are caretakers of the land, and that’s something that both Rob and I are really passionate about.

Sir Peter Gluckman: The world needs food, the world needs better food, the world needs healthier food, produced in an environmentally sustainable way.

Dr Cather Simpson: We really need to take advantage of the fact that we have not just really strong primary industries here, but we have absolutely fantastic high-tech, innovative researchers.

Dr William Rolleston: What’s going on with precision agriculture, with the use of robotics and drones and all the technology around big data, that’s really exciting stuff.

Traci Houpapa: That uplift in performance, productivity and profitability is going to come from our research, and technology is going to come from innovation.

Dave Maslen: We can innovate and change very, very rapidly, far more rapidly than a lot of our other, competing countries can.

John Wilson: The world’s quickly moving to fresh dairy solutions, far more innovation required, traceability what we call trust in source.

Volker Kuntzsch: What I feel very passionate about is, with my scientific background, to be able to make a difference in this industry and create a great name for New Zealand.

Dr Mark Harris: I’m trying to make farming life better, and I want to be able to look back and say, "Hey, we did those things, and that was pretty worthwhile".

Aaron Gunn: We’re not looking at what we’re harvesting just next year, we’re looking at what we’re harvesting 50 years into the future.

Lindy Nelson: So if you want something dynamic and exciting, and challenging and growing, something that adds real value, providing food and product for people, I say pick agriculture.

Sir David Fagan: There’s never, ever going to be too much food in the world. So there’ll be ups and downs, but long term, farming is a really great place to be in.

Caleb Dennis: You never quite know exactly what the next day is going to bring. You continue learning and growing, and what you’re doing is making a difference.

Holly Tonkin: Finding your work purpose once you find it you know. I just love my job.

Matt Bell: I know I have found what I want to do because I probably would do it for free "maybe not quite, but pretty close".

[Music: Alive by Graeme James]

[End of Transcript]

Champion videos

Our YouTube channel has videos from all our champions:

Ellen Ashmore

Food Chemistry Scientist Ellen Ashmore of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research talks about the science behind food safety and research she’s involved in that supports New Zealand’s primary industries.

Watch Ellen's video (2:09)

Alexandra AllanAllen

The FoodBowl Chief Executive Alexandra Allan~~Allen~~ talks about encouraging an innovation culture in New Zealand food and beverage companies.

Watch Alexandra's video (2:20)

Craige Mackenzie

AgriOptics chief executive and arable farmer Craige Mackenzie talks about precision agriculture and how innovation is shaping New Zealand’s primary industries.

Watch Craige's video (2:07)

Hannah Wallace and Jeremy Bright

In 2015, Hannah Wallace became the first woman to win the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Sheep and Beef Farmer of the Year. She and her partner Jeremy are sheep and beef farmers in Hawke's Bay.

Hannah and her partner, Jeremy Bright (2:08)

Cather Simpson

Associate Professor Cather Simpson of the University of Auckland and Director of the Photon Factory talks about the importance of connecting the primary industries with cutting-edge innovation and research.

Dr Simpson – research and the primary industries (2:12)

Matthew Bell and Samantha Porter

Young Farmer of the Year (2015) Matthew Bell and his partner Samantha Porter talk about opportunities in the primary industries.

Matthew and Samantha – their passion and plans (2:05)

Erica van Reenen

Consultant Erica van Reenen talks about her work connecting agricultural and environmental outcomes for the industry and government.

Erica – bridging agriculture and the environment (2:06)

Find out more

Last updated: 1512 July 2016

MPI registered production site number	Grower name	Crop/habitat	Pest survey compliant date	Expiry date
A002	Jacko's Place	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	21/07/2015	21/07/2016
A003	West Coast Orchids Ltd	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	5/08/2015	5/08/2016
A004	Larsen's Orchids Ltd	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	15/07/2016~~14/07/2015~~	15/07/2017~~14/07/2016~~
A008	Airborne Cymbidium's Ltd	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	4/09/2015	4/09/2016
A011	PR & SA Brears	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	19/08/2015	19/08/2016
A012	KW & J Kramer	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	28/06/2016	28/06/2017
A014	Shipherd Nurseries	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	30/03/2016	30/03/2017
A017	Lander & Co	Orchids & Hydrangea, enclosed greenhouse	28/08/2015	28/08/2016
A018	Florere Nurseries 2014 Ltd	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	18/08/2015	18/08/2016
A019	Browning Orchids Ltd - Hamilton	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	8/09/2015	8/09/2016
A022	Simcock Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	20/07/2015	20/07/2016
A024	Northern Orchids, Adenbe Ltd - Pungaere Road	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	3/03/2016	3/03/2017
A025	TRT Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	4/03/2016	4/03/2017
A028	The I & A Harding Family Trust T/A Pukemara Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	25/09/2015	25/09/2016
A033	E & J Metcalfe	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	27/08/2015	27/08/2016
A036	Rose Lee & Graeme & Pam Lee T/A Starwood Orchid Partnership	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	27/08/2015	27/08/2016
A037	Washington Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	30/05/2016	30/05/2017
A038	Kamo Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	12/07/2016	12/07/2017
A041	Royale Horticultural Trust T/A Staranz Flowers	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	28/08/2015	28/08/2016
A042	Jem Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	17/07/2015	17/07/2016
A043	Dacmag Developments Ltd	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	25/08/2015	25/08/2016
A045	Mid-Western Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	24/08/2015	24/08/2016
A058	Trinity Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	30/05/2016	30/05/2017
A061	G Wakelin	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	4/03/2016	4/03/2017
A062	Keribloomz Trust	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	2/03/2016	2/03/2017
A063	35° South Orchids Ltd	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	3/03/2016	3/03/2017
A065	Northern Orchids, Adenbe Ltd - Waipapa Road	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	3/03/2016	3/03/2017
A066	Ninox Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	18/04/2016	18/04/2017
A069	Utopia Orchids Ltd	Orchids & Hydrangea, enclosed greenhouse	11/03/2016	11/03/2017
A071	Hansen Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	21/04/2016	21/04/2017
A074	Araluen Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	9/05/2016	9/05/2017
A078	Midknight Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	4/03/2016	4/03/2017
A082	MD & PG Yates	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	27/07/2015	27/07/2016
A086	Lobb Horticulture Ltd	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	28/06/2016	28/06/2017
A088	LW and EA Dawbin Family Trust	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	20/05/2016	20/05/2017
A092	Rupex Growtech Ltd	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	31/05/2016	31/05/2017
A096	Harrison Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	5/05/2016	5/05/2017
A098	D & R Anson	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	27/04/2016	27/04/2017
A099	Anson Estate	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	19/04/2016	19/04/2017
A102	M Aylward Ltd	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	14/08/2015	14/08/2016
A103	E & L Howe	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	21/08/2015	21/08/2016
A104	Yovich Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	10/08/2015	10/08/2016
A106	Joshua Limited - Karaka Road	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	28/04/2016	28/04/2017
A108	McColl Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	11/08/2015	11/08/2016
A110	Ocean Flowers Ltd	Sandersonia, enclosed greenhouse	10/09/2015	10/09/2016
A113	K & G Matthews Partnership T/A Pioneer Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	18/04/2016	18/04/2017
A117	M & L Biggs	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	21/06/2016	21/06/2017
A119	Colin & Ruth Wilson T/A Maple Hill Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	20/04/2016	20/04/2017
A120	Ruby Nurseries Ltd - Drury Hills Road	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	18/05/2016	18/05/2017
A124	VI & CS Carppe	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	10/08/2015	10/08/2016
A125	PJ Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	21/07/2015	21/07/2016
A129	Emperor Orchids	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	14/09/2015	14/09/2016
A130	TH & E Cowdell	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	20/05/2016	20/05/2017
A131	Ruby Nurseries Ltd - Fitzgerald Road	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	16/05/2016	16/05/2017
A132	Ruby Nurseries Ltd - Cooper Road	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	16/05/2016	16/05/2017
A134	Joshua Limited - Jamieson Road	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	28/04/2016	28/04/2017
A135	Flower Garden Ltd	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	11/09/2015	11/09/2016
A137	C & S Jaunay Ltd - Jackson Road	Orchids, enclosed greenhouse	21/04/2016	21/04/2017

2016

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2011

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NAWAC's role in animal welfare

NAWAC gives the Minister for Primary Industries advice on:

the welfare of animals in New Zealand
animal welfare research needs
legislative proposals
codes of welfare
regulations
traps and devices
hunting and killing animals in a wild state.

Section 57 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 lists all of NAWAC's functions.

Find out more

NAWAC's work

NAWAC prioritises its work to make the most of its limited resources while improving animal welfare in New Zealand. NAWAC uses a framework to decide which animal welfare issues to address first. The committee updates its work programme every year.

NAWAC will publish its 2016 work programme as soon as it's finalised.

Download NAWAC's prioritisation framework

~~Download the 2015 work programme~~

Guidelines

NAWAC has published guidelines explaining how the committee works. It updates the guidelines regularly to reflect the experiences gained during NAWAC's deliberations.

These guidelines are not a legal interpretation of the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

Reviews

Review of the use of farrowing crates for pigs in New Zealand

Meetings

NAWAC holds 4 ordinary meetings a year. Summaries from the meetings are published on this website, or you can request copies – email nawac@mpi.govt.nz .

Annual Reports

NAWAC produces an annual report which covers all of its operations for the year, including work on codes of welfare and regulations, and updates on research.

Download the latest NAWAC annual report

Browse for older annual reports

Membership of NAWAC

NAWAC is made up of a chairperson, the chairperson of the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee, and up to 9 other members. The Animal Welfare Act 1999 lays out requirements for membership. Members are chosen for their expertise and need a range of knowledge and experience including:

veterinary science
agricultural science
animal science
commercial use of animals
care, breeding and management of companion animals
ethical standards and conduct in respect of animals
animal welfare advocacy
understanding of the public's interest in animals
environmental and conservation management.

Find out who is on the committee

Vacancies

Members can be nominated by a relevant organisation but do not represent the nominating organisation on the committee. Any vacancies on the committee are also advertised on this website and the Government's jobs website.

Who to contact

If you have questions about the committee, email nawac@mpi.govt.nz .

Requirements and standards for food importers

If you want to import food for sale in New Zealand, you must meet MPI's food importing and safety requirements. These requirements include registering with MPI as a food importer (or using a registered importer), safely sourcing and handling food before export, and meeting specific requirements for foods identified as presenting a higher risk to consumers.

Registered food importer

Food must be imported through a registered importer. Registered importers must:

pay a fee to register
renew the registration each year
keep or have access to records to show where food has come from and that it's safe
get food safety clearance for foods of high regulatory interest.

You can become a registered importer or use an agent who is a registered importer.

Find a registered food importer

Becoming a registered importer

Registration for food importers is required from 1 March 2016 and all food importers must be registered by 30 June 2017.

Registered importers will be recorded in a public database. Prior to 1 March 2016, importers were listed with MPI but could not be searched by the public.

You can apply to be a registered food importer using one of these forms. Choose the form and follow the instructions that match your situation.

Note that these applications are made through the New Zealand Customs Service (NZ Customs), using their process for assigning client codes and registering to use the Trade Single Window.

New food importers that weren't previously listed with MPI and who don't have a customs client code should apply using the customs form 224 – ticking the 'Yes' box for Food Importer.
Food importers that weren't previously listed with MPI and who don't have a customs client code should apply using the customs form 224 – ticking the 'Yes' box for Food Importer.
Food importers that weren't previously listed with MPI but who have a customs client code should update their information using customs form 225 -– ticking the 'Yes' box for Food Importer.
Food importers who are listed with MPI and have a client code, but who haven't registered for Trade Single Window need to re-apply using customs form 225.

Visit the NZ Customs website to:

Download Customs form 224

Download Customs form 225

If you're a food importer that's listed with MPI and registered with Trade Single Window, you do not need to take any action to register until after ~~the~~ 1 July 2016.

MPI will email you approximately a month prior to the date that you need to register to remind you. To make sure MPI can contact you ensure that your client registration details, including your most recent email address, are up to date with Customs so you can get this information.

Find out more

Read these guides to learn more about importing food into New Zealand.

Keep good records

Food importers need to keep records that show how the food they import for sale in New Zealand complies with New Zealand legislation. These records must show how food products have been produced, transported, and stored. You may also need to keep purchase records and relevant supplier information.

Foods with extra requirements

Some foods present a greater risk to consumers and public health. They're known as foods of high regulatory interest or foods of increased regulatory interest. These foods normally require a food safety clearance and are monitored for specific hazards.

Find out more

Legal obligations

Food importers are legally obliged to ensure that food is safe and suitable.

Food importers have legal obligations they must meet under the:

Biosecurity Act 1993
Animal Products Act 1999
Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997
Food Act 2014 and related legislation
Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

Labelling and composition requirements

The imported food must comply with the labelling and compositional food standards that apply in New Zealand. These labelling requirements are set out in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

Find out more about the Code on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand website

Topics

Building this website

Why we’re building a new website and what to expect.

Your views sought

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking your feedback on the addition of phytosanitary requirements for the management of Phellinus noxius in nursery stock hosts (whole plants, including rooted cuttings) from all countries.

What's being proposed

Details of the proposed changes are in the Risk management proposal. The document includes the technical justification for these changes.

Proposed additional measures include:

a new section in ‘basic conditions’ with requirements that apply to whole plants (including rooted cuttings) which are the hosts of Phellinus noxius
regulation of Phellinus noxius at genus level when 3 or more species are found to be natural hosts
whole plants will be required to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with additional declarations.

Consultation document

Risk management proposal

WTO notification - G/SPS/N/NZL/536

You can also ask for a copy of the pest~~import~~ risk assessment: Phellinus noxius pest risk analysis (21 June 2011). Email plant imports@mpi.govt.nz .

Making your submission

Email your feedback on the consultation document by 5pm, 19 August 2016 to plant imports@mpi.govt.nz .

Make sure you include in your submission:

The title of the consultation document in the subject line of your email
Your name and title (if applicable)
Your organisation’s name (if applicable)
Your address

While we prefer email, you can send your submission by post to:

Plant Imports
Plants, Food and Environment
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand.

All submissions received by the closing date will be considered before the amended import health standard (IHS) is issued. MPI may hold late submissions on file for consideration when the issued IHS is next revised or reviewed

After consultation

After we have considered all submissions we publish a provisional IHS for 10 days to give submitters a chance to examine the changes. An independent review (under section 24 of the Biosecurity Act 1993) may be requested in this period, if a submitter considers scientific evidence they raised during their submission has not received sufficient consideration. If there is no review, the IHS becomes final after 10 days.

The provisional IHS will be published on this consultation page and other relevant pages on this website.

Submissions are public information

Any submissions you make becomes public information. Anyone can ask for copies of all submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the information available unless we have a good reason for withholding it. You can find those ground in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA. Tell us if you think there are grounds to withhold specific information in your submission. Reasons might include, it’s commercially sensitive or it’s personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold information can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may require the information be released.

Find out more

Importing nursery stock

Import health standards manage risk goods

Under the Biosecurity Act 1993, an import health standard (IHS) is required for importation into New Zealand of any biosecurity risk goods. Risk goods are any items that may constitute, harbour, or contain an organism that may cause unwanted harm to natural or physical resources, or to human health in New Zealand.

An IHS exists to reduce the biosecurity risks associated with bringing items into New Zealand, like:

plants and plant products
animals and animal products
food
biological products.

Other items that have import health standards include:

imported sea or shipping containers
vehicles
tyres.

Transitional and containment facilities also have import health standards.

Search all import health standards

Find out more about transitional and containment facilities

Developing import health standards

MPI has a staged approach to developing new import health standards and when amending existing standards. The first step is to complete a risk analysis. If the analysis shows the risks can be managed adequately by conditions in a standard, the next steps are:

A draft import health standard (IHS) is prepared.
MPI issues the draft IHS for consultation.
A provisional IHS is published, subject to requests for a review.
After 10 days (or the completion of a review, if requested) the final IHS is issued.

Requesting the development of an import health standard

If an import health standard doesn't exist for the commodity you want to import, you can ask MPI to develop one. MPI sets priorities for the development of new standards and it may take several years to finalise.

Find out more about requesting the development of an IHS

IHS risk analysis

An analysis of risk is the first stage in the development of import health standards.

The analysis involves the identification of pests and diseases that might be associated with an import item, the likelihood of entry and establishment in New Zealand, and the potential impacts on our economy, environment, and human health.

The decision to issue an import health standard is made by the Director-General of MPI under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

Find out more about risk analysis

Draft import health standards

MPI must consult with interested parties including any affected government departments before issuing or amending ~~(other than of a minor nature)~~ import health standards (other than minor changes). Section~~in accordance with section~~ 23 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 and MPI's consultation policy set out our consultation requirements.~~policy.~~

Browse consultations for draft import health standards~~Browse consultations for draft import health standards~~

Provisional import health standards

After consultation on a draft import health standard, MPI publishes a provisional IHS.

If you were consulted on the development of the IHS as a representative of people who have an interest in the standard (s 23(3)(b) of the Biosecurity Act), you have 10 working days to notify the Director-General that you intend to request an independent review. When making a notification you must show that you are eligible (for example, you might be an affected stakeholder) to request a review.

If no-one requests a review within 10 working days, then the provisional IHS is confirmed and issued as a standard.

If you notify the Director-General you intend to request a review, you then have a further 20 working days to complete the request. Your request must:

identify the significant concerns you had raised with the chief technical officer about their consideration of the scientific evidence
explain why you think there has been insufficient regard to the scientific evidence
include any other scientific information that is relevant to your concern.

Browse consultations for provisional import health standards

For more information see the page on risk analysis

Independent review panel

If a request to review a provisional IHS is accepted, the Director-General must appoint a panel to do the review. You can find the details for this procedure in the Biosecurity (Process for Establishing Independent Review Panel) Notice 2015.

Submitters can suggest members for the panel and review the draft terms of reference. Whoever asked for the review gets a copy of the final report — the report is also available to anyone who asks.

The Director-General must take the panel's report into consideration when making a final decision about the IHS.

For details on the whole process download the Biosecurity (Process for Establishing Independent Review Panel) Notice 2015 .

Equivalence decisions and reporting

Imported goods are given biosecurity clearance by an MPI-approved inspector only if the goods and the supporting documentation meet all the requirements of the relevant IHS.

If a product doesn't meet all the IHS requirements (for example, if it has been treated using a different method from what is listed in the IHS), you can ask MPI about assessing your product under equivalent measures. This is known as 'equivalence'.

You will need to supply information to show how the risks managed by the IHS will be managed to an equivalent level (for example, by providing information about cooking times and temperatures, and other processing details). MPI will issue a biosecurity permit if your request is approved.

If an equivalent measure is approved, MPI issues a report under section 27(3) of the Biosecurity Act 1993, showing the:

nature of the non-compliance of the good with the IHS
equivalent measure approved
goods given clearance in accordance with the equivalent measure
reasons for giving clearance.

Decisions are published quarterly.

Browse quarterly reports on biosecurity clearance decisions

Find out more

Who to contact

If you have questions about import health standards, email info@mpi.govt.nz .

Animal product risk management programmes

If you process or manufacture animal products you may need a risk management programme (RMP). It is a written programme designed to manage the hazards, wholesomeness and labelling of animal material and products. Hazards may be biological, chemical or physical.

Learn more about risk management programmes

Food control plan

If you sell food in New Zealand or Australia you may need to implement a food control plan. It is a risk-based approach to identifying, monitoring and managing the hazards within your food business.

Learn more about food control plans~~Learn more about your food safety requirements~~

~~Note: Existing businesses can continue to operate under a food control plan or the food hygiene regulations until their transition to a food control plan or national programme under the Food Act 2014.~~

Official assurance programmes

Official assurance programmes (OAPs) vary depending on the product or commodity.

Live animals and germplasm

The OAP for exporting live animals and germplasm helps ensure exporters meet the import requirements of their destination country. It gives importing governments confidence that any animal material, including live animals and germplasm (semen and embryos), from New Zealand meets the import requirements for those markets.

Find out more about OAPs for live animals and germplasm

Fruit, vegetables, plant and wood products

OAPs for fruit, vegetables and plant products are password protected. Only registered programme participants and Independent Verification Agencies can access them.

Request a password

Browse fruit and vegetable OAPs

Search plant product OAPs

Check wood and wood products export requirements

Regulated Control Schemes

Regulated Control Schemes are used under certain circumstances to manage food-related risks. A scheme may be imposed, for example when it's not practicable to have a risk management programme, or when it's more efficient to run a national programme.

Find out more about Regulated Control Schemes

Official Organic Assurance Programme

Organic product exporters can use the Official Organic Assurance Programme (OOAP). This programme is designed to make it easier to export organic products to specific countries.

Find out more about exporting organic products and the OOAP

Wine Standards Management Plan

If you want to export New Zealand grape wine it must be made under a wine standards management plan (WSMP). Your WSMP must be registered with MPI and then verified by an approved verifier every 12 months.

If you are exporting wine made by someone else, you don't need your own registered WSMP, but the wine producer and packager do need one.

See the six steps to creating your wine standards management plan [PDF, 36 KB]

How the stars are calculated

Packaged foods are given a number of stars based on:

the overall amount of energy they supply
their saturated fat, sodium (salt) and sugar levels
the quantity of healthy nutrients and ingredients they contain (fibre, protein, fruit, vegetable, nut and legume).

Foods that are low in saturated fat, sugar or sodium (salt), or high in fibre, protein, fruits, vegetables, nuts or legumes will have more stars. The more stars, the healthier the food.

Independent ratings you can trust

Health Star Ratings are an independent rating backed by the New Zealand Government and developed in collaboration with public health experts, the food industry and consumer groups, so you can trust the ratings you see on foods. It's a quick and easy way of comparing the nutrient content of packaged food.

Health Star Ratings have been designed for most packaged foods. However, some specific foods and drinks, such as tea, coffee and single ingredient products like flour, are unlikely to have ratings. Unpackaged foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, are also unlikely to have health stars, but are still an important part of a healthy diet.

The use of Health Star Ratings by companies is voluntary – so you might not see them on all packaged foods.

How health stars help you and your family

Health stars make it easier for you to compare and choose healthier foods when you're shopping. Health stars take the guesswork out of reading food labels by showing you at a glance how one product compares to another. The more stars, the healthier the food.

Health Star Ratings can help you make better food choices but it doesn't mean you should eat large amounts of foods with more stars. Refer to the nutrition information panel on packaging for recommended portion size of each food.

Use health stars to compare similar foods. Look for foods with more stars to help you make healthier choices for your family.

A way to compare similar foods

Health Star Ratings provide a useful comparison between similar foods, for example breakfast cereals. Where nutrition information is also displayed, they provide information about the energy content of a product, as well as the levels of saturated fat, sodium (salt) and sugars. Sometimes, a beneficial nutrient (like fibre) may also be displayed. This gives you extra information to help you make the best choice.

Eating healthily has many benefits including increased energy and wellbeing, and reducing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and some cancers.

What to look for when food shopping

At the supermarket or food retailer, look for health stars on the front of packaged foods.

Health Star Ratings can appear in a few different ways.

example Health Star Rating nutrient labels

Some foods only carry the overall Health Star Rating of the product. Sometimes the Health Star Rating label will have specific nutrient information about the product.

How to use health stars

You can make healthier choices by using the health stars to compare the nutrition content of packaged foods. Foods with less saturated fat, sugar or sodium (salt), or more fibre, protein, fruits or vegetables will have more stars.

When you buy packaged foods:

look for health stars on the front of packaged foods
use health stars to compare similar packaged foods. Remember, the more stars, the healthier the food.

Health stars are voluntary so you might not see them on all packaged foods but you will see health stars appearing on more products over time. Health Star Ratings rate packaged foods from half a star to 5 stars. To compare products that don't have a Health Star Rating, use the nutrition information panel.

Reporting inconsistencies in Health Star Ratings

Health Star Ratings should:

be consistent with Australian dietary guidelines (the New Zealand Ministry of Health eating and activity guidelines are similar to the Australian guidelines)
enable valid comparisons between foods based on agreed food components (energy, saturated fat, total sugars, sodium, protein, dietary fibre and fruit/vegetable/nut/legume content).

Australian dietary guidelines

New Zealand Ministry of Health Eating and Activity Guidelines

Anomalies

An inconsistency in health star ratings is called an anomaly. An anomaly occurs when a health star rating:

is inconsistent with the Australian dietary guidelines, or
is used to make comparisons within a food category or across comparable food categories that would mislead consumers.

If you think there is an anomaly, and you would like to report it, you can make a submission to the Health Star Rating Advisory Committee.

Visit the Australian Health Star Rating website to find out:

about the process
how to make a submission
what potential anomalies have been registered to date.

Report an anomaly through the Australian Health Star Rating website

More tips for healthy living

Enjoy a variety of nutritious foods every day including:
- plenty of vegetables and fruit of different colours
- whole-grain foods that are naturally high in fibre
- some low-fat milk products
- some legumes (like lentils and chickpeas), nuts, seeds, kaimoana (fish and seafood), eggs, chicken and red meat (with the fat removed).
Choose or prepare foods and drinks:
- with unsaturated fats (canola, olive, rice bran, vegetable oil, margarine) instead of saturated fats (butter, cream, lard, dripping, coconut oil)
- that are low in salt (sodium). If using salt, choose iodised salt
- with little or no added sugar
- that are fresh and minimally processed.
Drink water instead of sugar-sweetened drinks.
Be active every day. Sit less, move more. Break up long periods of sitting.
Do at least 150 minutes of moderate (or 75 minutes of vigorous) physical activity spread throughout the week.

Find out more about healthy eating – Ministry of Health website

Family recipes to inspire you

To help you make the most of the foods you buy, use quick and easy recipes for meals and snacks from the My Family website. The website also has tips on eating for good health and information on making your food budget go further.

Visit the My Family website

Topics

We're still working on this section of the new website. When complete, it will provide information to support producers of bees and other insects. In the meantime, you'll find relevant information on these pages:

Building this website

Why we're building a new website and what to expect.

website under construction

What is a template food control plan?

A food control plan (FCP) is a comprehensive plan for managing food safety. MPI has developed templates to make creating your plan easier.

You will need to:

fill out your plan using the templates provided
register it with your local council or MPI and renew it annually
get checked by a verifier (auditor)
follow your plan to make safe food.

Read the Getting started with your template food control plan guidance, and then follow the steps on this page to develop your plan.

Getting started with your template food control plan guidance~~Getting started with your template food control plan guidance~~

Chinese translations available

The guidance document for a template FCP has also been translated into Chinese:

Template and custom FCPs

Template FCPs are suitable for:

food retail businesses that prepare or make and sell food – such as a butcher, a fishmonger, a retail baker, a delicatessen or supermarket
food service businesses, such as restaurants, cafes, takeaways or on- or off-site caterers. The template may also be used by operators of residential care facilities.

Most businesses in these sectors can use the template. However, if you use processes that are not covered by these templates, or you want to do things differently, you can choose to develop your own plan, called a custom food control plan.

Find out how to develop a custom food control plan

Get your plan ready in time

From 1 March 2016, all new businesses must register their plans under the Food Act 2014 before they open.

If you're an existing business, see the transition timetable for when you need to register a food control plan.

Transition timetable

Title has changed: Customary Fisheries Research Fund~~research fund~~

Fund set up to assist tangata whenuaFunding for research

The Customary Fisheries Research Fund is available to assist tangata whenua manage their customary fisheries by providing financial assistance to undertake fisheries research. It's~~fisheries. It~~ also to enable~~enables~~ tangata whenua who are working towards gazettal, or are currently gazetted, under the Kaimoana Customary Fishing Regulations 1998 or the South Island Customary Fishing Regulations 1999.

Strategic objectives of the fundCall for proposals

~~The call for applications for the 2015 round of funding has closed.~~
~~Applications for 2016 funding will open about August 2016.~~
~~Objectives of the fund~~

The strategic objectives ~~for conducting customary fisheries research using MPI research funding~~ are to:

collate information on fishing practices of Māori that may need to be considered when making fisheries management decisions
assist Māori to manage and measure the outcome of customary practice within their rohe moana (coastal area) that adds to their traditional and customary well-being
determine past levels of Māori customary and traditional harvest levels and help clarify the relationship between customary and traditional rights and current harvest levels~~levels.~~
provide customary fisheries information to enhance and add value to sustainable fisheries management processes.

Applications open for the 2016 funding round

Applications for funding proposals opened on 18 July 2016 and will close at 5pm on 26 August 2016.

Note, the fund isn't allocated by a competitive tendering process, rather through a call for proposals.

How to apply

A Guide to Customary Research: Proposals and Processes 2016-2017 explains the research and application process. It includes an application template and instructions for submitting your proposal.

History of fund

MPI's~~MPI created the~~ Customary Fisheries Research Fund was created following~~after~~ the establishment of the Kaimoana Customary Fishing Regulations 1998 and the South Island Customary Fishing Regulations 1999 (the Customary Fisheries Regulations). To help comply with parts of~~address provisions in~~ the Customary Fisheries Regulations, Māori requested funding to better research:~~research traditional and oral information related to customary gathering and traditional practices with regard to mahinga mātaitai and tauranga ika.~~

traditional and oral information related to customary gathering
traditional practices with regard to mahinga mātaitai and tauranga ika.

Find out moreProjects funded since 2012

Copies of the regulations are available on the New Zealand Legislation website:~~Projects funded since 2012 are:~~

Fisheries (Kaimoana Customary Fishing) Regulations 1998~~Stewart Island scallop survey (University of Otago)~~
~~Determine the potential for survival and growth of hatchery-raised juvenile pāua in Te Maunga o Mauau Mātaitai Reserve (Tauranga Moana Customary Fisheries Trust)~~
Fisheries (South Island Customary Fishing) Regulations 1999~~Tuna monitoring in the Waikato river catchment (Waikato-Tainui College for Research and Development)~~
~~Cultural perspectives informing the improved management of Kahawai fisheries in the eastern Bay of Plenty (Rangahauwai)~~
~~Manaaki Paua, Manaaki Tangata (Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated)~~
~~Te Tau Ihu Freshwater Environment Assessment (Te Tau Ihu Fisheries Forum)~~
~~Interweaving Matauranga and Science (Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu)~~
~~Te Awarua o Porirua Harbour - Status of Taonga Shellfish Species (Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira)~~
~~Reconstruction of Whanganui River customary fishing methodologies: Utu Pihara and Pa Auroa on Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Maori Trust Board)~~

Who to contact

If you have ~~any~~ questions about ~~the~~ customary fisheries research or the fund, email info@mpi.govt.nz~~email customaryresearch@mpi.govt.nz .~~

2014–2015 Potato Compliance Programme - Registered Growers - SGS

'Site Status' Definition:

Compliant: Production site compliant with survey requirements. Post harvest requirements will be verified by IVA's prior to certification

SGS - Updated 11 July 2016

All Markets Including Taiwan

Name	Production site no.	Pest survey result date	Site expiry date	Site status* non Taiwan	Taiwan registered	Site status* Taiwan
No registered growers at present

All Markets Excluding Taiwan

Name	Production site no.	Pest survey date	Production site status - Markets other than Taiwan
Aberdeen Farms	A1493 G	25/11/15	Compliant
Aberdeen Farms	A682 A	25/11/15	Compliant
Aberdeen Farms	A6892 P	25/11/15	Compliant
Aberdeen Farms	A1977 L E	25/11/15	Compliant
Aberdeen Farms	A1977 Q	25/11/15	Compliant
Aberdeen Farms	A1259 Q	25/11/15	Compliant
Aberdeen Farms	A1336 B9	25/11/15	Compliant
Aberdeen Farms	A1000 D	25/11/15	Compliant
Aberdeen Farms	A1324 H	25/11/15	Compliant

Alex McDonald (Merchants) Ltd	A1018 S & T	30/09/15	Compliant
Alex McDonald (Merchants) Ltd	A921 Q	30/09/15	Compliant
Alex McDonald (Merchants) Ltd	A396 S	30/09/15	Compliant
Alex McDonald (Merchants) Ltd	A385 A	20/10/15	Compliant
Alex McDonald (Merchants) Ltd	A1933T ptA C U	30/09/15	Compliant

Alps Seed Ltd	A948 H	27/10/15
Alps Seed Ltd	A612 B	28/10/15	Compliant
Alps Seed Ltd	A2375 O	09/11/15	Compliant
Alps Seed Ltd	T7292 A	27/10/15	Compliant

Annatt Farms	C484 E	05/10/15	Compliant
Annatt Farms	C436 M & C	05/10/15	Compliant
Annatt Farms	Pringle 3.2	05/10/15	Compliant
Annatt Farms	Frizzel PDK 3	05/10/15	Compliant

BBCA Farms Ltd	C1414 K & L	03/02/16	Compliant
BBCA Farms Ltd	A6831 A	03/02/16	Compliant
BBCA Farms Ltd	A815 BT	03/02/16	Compliant

Balle Bros Group	15 204 LAND	31/08/15	Compliant
Balle Bros Group	15 204 FIND	31/08/15	Compliant
Balle Bros Group	15 204 BEAC	21/09/15	Compliant
Balle Bros Group	15 204 INGR	22/09/15	Compliant
Balle Bros Group	15 204 KIDD	23/09/15
Balle Bros Group	15 204 UNIV	24/09/15	Compliant
Balle Bros Group	15 204 PARK	20/11/15	Compliant
Balle Bros Group	15 204 JONE	20/11/15	Compliant
Balle Bros Group	15 204 FULT	20/11/15	Compliant
Balle Bros Group	15 204 HOBA	26/01/16	Compliant
Balle Bros Group	15 204 MILL	09/02/16	Compliant

Bailey Farming	C3073 S	08/09/15	Compliant
Bailey Farming	C3073 W	08/09/15	Compliant
Bailey Farming	C30 JR	08/09/15	Compliant

Birchbrook Ltd	C6915 E	10/09/15	Compliant
Birchbrook Ltd	C6915 F	10/09/15	Compliant
Birchbrook Ltd	C6915 G	10/09/15	Compliant
Birchbrook Ltd	C6762 B	08/09/15	Compliant

Jeff Bleeker	W23 H	02/11/15	Compliant
Jeff Bleeker	W357 Home 10	02/11/15	Compliant

Broadview Farm	C6348 A B C	16/10/15	Compliant
Broadview Farm	C2354 P	16/10/15	Compliant

Calder AJ	C1 L	15/10/15	Compliant
Calder AJ	C1994 F	15/10/15

Calder GCA&KL	C1375 M	10/10/15
Calder GCA&KL	C2697 F	16/11/15

Caithness Farm	W254 D	03/11/15	Compliant

Colee Farming	C955 PP1	05/10/15	Compliant
Colee Farming	C955 A	06/10/15	Compliant
Colee Farming	C1168 S	05/10/15	Compliant


Creeside Farm Ltd	A101 H	20/10/15	Compliant
Creeside Farm Ltd	A7214 Z	20/10/15	Compliant

Fallgate Farm	T1501 NBG	16/12/15	Compliant
Fallgate Farm	T1376 P	16/12/15	Compliant
Fallgate Farm	T2267 S	16/12/15	Compliant

Field View Farms	C64 K	28/09/15	Compliant
Field View Farms	C5102 F	28/09/15	Compliant
Field View Farms	C116 N	28/09/15	Compliant

GC Foster Farming Ltd	A382 J	04/11/15	Compliant
GC Foster Farming Ltd	A2116 N	04/11/15	Compliant
GC Foster Farming Ltd	A2116 P	04/11/15	Compliant
GC Foster Farming Ltd	A2116 L	05/11/15	Compliant

Hewson Farms	A2031 D	30/09/15	Compliant

Innes Fields Ltd	A18 JJ	15/03/16	Compliant
Innes Fields Ltd	A1308 D	15/10/15	Compliant
Innes Fields Ltd	A2057 H / Q	20/10/15	Compliant
Innes Fields Ltd	A6764 E	15/10/15	Compliant
Innes Fields Ltd	A1573 F	15/10/15	Compliant
Innes Fields Ltd	A871 G	05/10/15	Compliant
Innes Fields Ltd	A1551 HH	15/10/15	Compliant
Innes Fields Ltd	A445 A	15/10/15	Compliant

Jeram Parsot Ltd

K & M Farming Ltd	A2107 DD	25/11/15	Compliant
K & M Farming Ltd	A301 L K	25/11/15	Compliant
K & M Farming Ltd	A33 TT	25/11/15	Compliant
K & M Farming Ltd	A15 E	25/11/15	Compliant

Lepoutre & Kroef Farm	A6827 P	24/11/15	C0mpliant

Lovett Family Farms Ltd	A1711 F	20/10/15	Compliant

Manga Jivan	15 209 K1203	28/10/15	Compliant

Charterhouse Farm Ltd	A182 K	05/10/15	Compliant
Charterhouse Farm Ltd	A2674 J	05/10/15	Compliant
Charterhouse Farm Ltd	A7184 B	05/10/15	Compliant
Charterhouse Farm Ltd	A827 C	05/10/15	Compliant
Charterhouse Farm Ltd	A827 BB	05/10/15	Compliant
Charterhouse Farm Ltd	A1149 W	05/10/15	Compliant


Merv Smith &Sons	A7267 EE	16/09/15	Compliant
Merv Smith &Sons	A7373 AA+BB	17/09/15	Compliant
Merv Smith &Sons	A572 NN	17/09/15	Compliant
Merv Smith &Sons	T2792 L	17/09/15	Compliant
Merv Smith &Sons	T1870 H	17/09/15	Compliant
Merv Smith &Sons	T173 T	16/09/15	Compliant
Merv Smith &Sons	T2702 D	16/09/15	Compliant
Merv Smith &Sons

Midway Farms Ltd	C847 BBB2	05/10/15	Compliant
Midway Farms Ltd	C3074 N	06/10/15	Compliant
Midway Farms Ltd	C1212 6	15/10/15	Compliant
Midway Farms Ltd	C592 RR PP NN	05/10/15	Compliant
Midway Farms Ltd	C429 PP 5	15/10/15	Compliant
Midway Farms Ltd	C429 RR 7	05/10/15	Compliant
Midway Farms Ltd	C429 D	05/10/15	Compliant
Midway Farms Ltd	C1437 E	05/10/15	Compliant

Naivic Farm Ltd	A5047 KK	04/11/15	Compliant

NZ Institute for P&F	C303 2HA	29/09/15	Compliant
Research Ltd

Oakside Park Ltd	C230 T	21/10/15	Compliant
Oakside Park Ltd	C2373 T	21/10/15	Compliant
Oakside Park Ltd	C2546 Z	21/10/15	Compliant
Oakside Park Ltd	C1206 E	21/10/15	Compliant
Oakside Park Ltd	C1667 HJ	30/11/15

Pearce MH	C142 C	21/10/15	Compliant
Pearce MH	C6810 D	21/10/15	Compliant
Pearce MH	C167 C	15/10/15	Compliant
Pearce MH	C167 K	15/10/15	Compliant
Pearce MH	C167 G	16/11/15	Compliant

Pescini Bros Ltd	15 301 201		Withdrawn
Pescini Bros Ltd	15 301 504	28/03/16	Compliant
Pescini Bros Ltd	15 301 510	28/03/16	Compliant

JR & WD Redmond	C5263 D	03/11/15
JR & WD Redmond	C1869 JJ	03/11/15	Compliant
JR & WD Redmond	C1869 SS	03/11/15	Compliant
JR & WD Redmond	C780 Z	03/11/15	Compliant
JR & WD Redmond	C2581 B	03/11/15	Compliant
JR & WD Redmond	C6441 HH1	02/02/15	Compliant
JR & WD Redmond	C6441 HH2	02/02/16
JR & WD Redmond	C6441 BB2	02/02/16	Compliant
JR & WD Redmond	C6441 DD	02/02/16	Compliant

RedmondAg Farming	C7317 E6	28/09/15	Compliant
RedmondAg Farming	C2292 GG & HH	28/09/15	Compliant
RedmondAg Farming	C7340 F	28/09/15	Compliant
RedmondAg Farming	C7380 S	28/09/15	Compliant
RedmondAg Farming	C5186 PP.	28/09/15	Compliant
RedmondAg Farming	C2292 N	28/09/15	Compliant
RedmondAg Farming	C886 B	28/09/15

Ridge JF and Sons	A2329 E/F	19/10/15	Compliant
Ridge JF and Sons	A50 U	19/10/15	Compliant
Ridge JF and Sons	A50 D1	19/10/15

ST Growers	15 214 SMIT	13/08/15	Compliant
ST Growers	15 214 QUAR	30/09/15	Withdrawn
ST Growers	15 214 ISLA	10/11/15	Compliant
ST Growers	15 214 SCOT	10/11/15	Compliant
ST Growers	15 214 POPE	10/11/15	Compliant

Tayler and Sons	T6775 H	10/11/15
Tayler and Sons	T713 G	28/10/15
Tayler and Sons
Tayler and Sons

Westacre Farm	C5265 CC / C / B	02/02/16

Winter & Son, W J	R390 G & M	02/11/15	Compliant
Winter & Son, W J	R390 S	09/11/15	Compliant

RL Worner	A926 A	28/09/15	Compilant
RL Worner	A926 B	28/09/15	Compilant
RL Worner	A7272 E	28/09/15	Compilant

Yaxley Produce Ltd	C1349 N	16/11/15	Compliant
Yaxley Produce Ltd	C5084 S	16/11/15	Compliant
Yaxley Produce Ltd	DOMAIN A	16/11/15	Compliant
Yaxley Produce Ltd	C5084 T&V	16/11/15	Compliant

Jivan Produce	15 208 MERC	03/12/15	Compliant
Jivan Produce	15 208 FROS	03/12/15
Jivan Produce	15 208 HUNT	03/12/15

DC & LJ Redmond	C315 P	09/02/16	Compliant

Turly Farms Ltd	Doig H	09/02/16	Compliant
Turly Farms Ltd	Oakdale A B C	09/02/16	Compliant

P Thomas	C182 M&N	10/02/16

Animal product risk management programmes

Learn more about risk management programmes

Food control plan

If you sell food in New Zealand or Australia you may need to implement a food control plan. It is a risk-based approach to identifying, monitoring and managing the hazards within your food business.

Learn more about food control plans~~Learn more about your food safety requirements~~

Official assurance programmes

Official assurance programmes (OAPs) vary depending on the product or commodity.

Live animals and germplasm

Find out more about OAPs for live animals and germplasm

Fruit, vegetables, plant and wood products

OAPs for fruit, vegetables and plant products are password protected. Only registered programme participants and Independent Verification Agencies can access them.

Request a password

Browse fruit and vegetable OAPs

Search plant product OAPs

Check wood and wood products export requirements

Regulated Control Schemes

Find out more about Regulated Control Schemes

Official Organic Assurance Programme

Organic product exporters can use the Official Organic Assurance Programme (OOAP). This programme is designed to make it easier to export organic products to specific countries.

Find out more about exporting organic products and the OOAP

Wine Standards Management Plan

If you are exporting wine made by someone else, you don't need your own registered WSMP, but the wine producer and packager do need one.

See the six steps to creating your wine standards management plan [PDF, 36 KB]

How the stars are calculated

Packaged foods are given a number of stars based on:

the overall amount of energy they supply
their saturated fat, sodium (salt) and sugar levels
the quantity of healthy nutrients and ingredients they contain (fibre, protein, fruit, vegetable, nut and legume).

Foods that are low in saturated fat, sugar or sodium (salt), or high in fibre, protein, fruits, vegetables, nuts or legumes will have more stars. The more stars, the healthier the food.

Independent ratings you can trust

The use of Health Star Ratings by companies is voluntary – so you might not see them on all packaged foods.

How health stars help you and your family

Use health stars to compare similar foods. Look for foods with more stars to help you make healthier choices for your family.

A way to compare similar foods

Eating healthily has many benefits including increased energy and wellbeing, and reducing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and some cancers.

What to look for when food shopping

At the supermarket or food retailer, look for health stars on the front of packaged foods.

Health Star Ratings can appear in a few different ways.

Some foods only carry the overall Health Star Rating of the product. Sometimes the Health Star Rating label will have specific nutrient information about the product.

How to use health stars

When you buy packaged foods:

look for health stars on the front of packaged foods
use health stars to compare similar packaged foods. Remember, the more stars, the healthier the food.

Reporting inconsistencies in Health Star Ratings

Health Star Ratings should:

be consistent with Australian dietary guidelines (the New Zealand Ministry of Health eating and activity guidelines are similar to the Australian guidelines)
enable valid comparisons between foods based on agreed food components (energy, saturated fat, total sugars, sodium, protein, dietary fibre and fruit/vegetable/nut/legume content).

Australian dietary guidelines

New Zealand Ministry of Health Eating and Activity Guidelines

Anomalies

An inconsistency in health star ratings is called an anomaly. An anomaly occurs when a health star rating:

is inconsistent with the Australian dietary guidelines, or
is used to make comparisons within a food category or across comparable food categories that would mislead consumers.

If you think there is an anomaly, and you would like to report it, you can make a submission to the Health Star Rating Advisory Committee.

Visit the Australian Health Star Rating website to find out:

about the process
how to make a submission
what potential anomalies have been registered to date.

Report an anomaly through the Australian Health Star Rating website

More tips for healthy living

Enjoy a variety of nutritious foods every day including:
- plenty of vegetables and fruit of different colours
- whole-grain foods that are naturally high in fibre
- some low-fat milk products
- some legumes (like lentils and chickpeas), nuts, seeds, kaimoana (fish and seafood), eggs, chicken and red meat (with the fat removed).
Choose or prepare foods and drinks:
- with unsaturated fats (canola, olive, rice bran, vegetable oil, margarine) instead of saturated fats (butter, cream, lard, dripping, coconut oil)
- that are low in salt (sodium). If using salt, choose iodised salt
- with little or no added sugar
- that are fresh and minimally processed.
Drink water instead of sugar-sweetened drinks.
Be active every day. Sit less, move more. Break up long periods of sitting.
Do at least 150 minutes of moderate (or 75 minutes of vigorous) physical activity spread throughout the week.

Find out more about healthy eating – Ministry of Health website

Family recipes to inspire you

Visit the My Family website

Topics

Building this website

Why we're building a new website and what to expect.

website under construction

What is a template food control plan?

A food control plan (FCP) is a comprehensive plan for managing food safety. MPI has developed templates to make creating your plan easier.

You will need to:

fill out your plan using the templates provided
register it with your local council or MPI and renew it annually
get checked by a verifier (auditor)
follow your plan to make safe food.

Read the Getting started with your template food control plan guidance, and then follow the steps on this page to develop your plan.

Getting started with your template food control plan guidance~~Getting started with your template food control plan guidance~~

Chinese translations available

The guidance document for a template FCP has also been translated into Chinese:

Template and custom FCPs

Template FCPs are suitable for:

food retail businesses that prepare or make and sell food – such as a butcher, a fishmonger, a retail baker, a delicatessen or supermarket
food service businesses, such as restaurants, cafes, takeaways or on- or off-site caterers. The template may also be used by operators of residential care facilities.

Find out how to develop a custom food control plan

Get your plan ready in time

From 1 March 2016, all new businesses must register their plans under the Food Act 2014 before they open.

If you're an existing business, see the transition timetable for when you need to register a food control plan.

Transition timetable

Apples

Apricots

Asparagus

Avocados

Capsicums

Cherries

Cutflowers and foliage

Kiwifruit

Kiwifruit ( Actinidia arguta )

Onions

Pears

Persimmons

Pipfruit (apples and pears)

Potatoes

Strawberries

Summerfruit

Tomatoes

Grade

Pest information

MPI-approved or recognised organisations, suppliers, and IVAs

Thailand

Work plans

Growing primary industry careers

Workers will need higher qualifications

Primary industry champions

Video: Overview – growing our future (3:28)

Champion videos

Ellen Ashmore

Alexandra AllanAllen

Craige Mackenzie

Hannah Wallace and Jeremy Bright

Cather Simpson

Matthew Bell and Samantha Porter

Erica van Reenen

Find out more

NAWAC's role in animal welfare

Find out more

NAWAC's work

Guidelines

Reviews

Meetings

Annual Reports

Membership of NAWAC

Vacancies

Who to contact

Requirements and standards for food importers

Registered food importer

Becoming a registered importer

Find out more

Keep good records

Foods with extra requirements

Find out more

Legal obligations

Labelling and composition requirements

Topics

Building this website

Your views sought

What's being proposed

Consultation document

Making your submission

After consultation

Submissions are public information

Find out more

Import health standards manage risk goods

Developing import health standards

Requesting the development of an import health standard

IHS risk analysis

Draft import health standards

Provisional import health standards

Independent review panel

Equivalence decisions and reporting

Find out more

Who to contact

Animal product risk management programmes

Food control plan

Official assurance programmes

Live animals and germplasm

Fruit, vegetables, plant and wood products

Regulated Control Schemes

Official Organic Assurance Programme