Progress update on the NZEHA application for a biosecurity levy.
In early 2019 the New Zealand Equine Health Association (NZEHA) commenced its consultation with the equine community on the implementation of an equine biosecurity levy using the mechanism described in section 100 of the Biosecurity Act 1993. The feedback from the consultation received from members of the New Zealand equine community was reviewed and considered by the NZEHA and then summarized and forwarded to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) who are charged with progressing the application. Despite being proposed as a collection agency in the consultation documents, MPI identified challenges to them in their role as a collection agency and highlighted that their costs in collection of the levy might be considerable and have recommended that NZEHA set up a system to enable the collection of the levy money directly.
With the equine sectors permission, MPI is happy to furnish to NZEHA on a monthly basis: the quantity of germplasm and horses crossing the border and the shipping agent responsible for the import or export. MPI require NZEHA to re-consult on this point as they view the sharing of this information as a possible breach of privacy to equine owners unless the sector affirms that they are happy that this information is shared. Hence NZEHA is asking for feedback from the equine sector on the acceptability of MPI sharing information with NZEHA on who is importing and exporting horses and germplasm to facilitate the collection of the biosecurity levy.
As was laid out in the original consultation undertaken in 2019, to further save on levy collection costs, the shipping agent may collect the levy from the owner of the horse or germplasm and pay it on their behalf when invoiced by NZEHA. Feedback from all shipping agents or owners who ship equines and equine germplasm on their own account is therefore again sought on this point. The main benefit of this approach is that collection costs can be minimized and not accrue unnecessary extra invoicing costs onto the import/export process.
The original consultation documents discuss the purpose of the levy how the quantum of the levy is set each year and the maximum that may be set. The NZEHA committee comprises representatives from each equine sector who are cognizant of their sector views and challenges and are charged with ensuring the committee are informed and can ensure the levy rate set is appropriate and addresses inequities where possible.
Once again NZEHA invite you to tell us your view and specifically give us feedback on the following two points:
Do you support NZEHA’s attempt to limit collection costs?
Can MPI share information on who is importing and exporting equines and equine germplasm with NZEHA to enable them to invoice the levy as appropriate?
To find out more or give us your view either email your equine industry representative or the Executive Advisor to the NZEHA.