MAF's handling of sea containers criticised

The Auditor General has found problems in the way sea containers are being handled in New Zealand.

An audit has just been completed of the way the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry identifies, inspects, and manages imported containers that pose threats to the country's biosecurity.

Auditor General Kevin Brady says the Ministry has had more than two years to implement a revised Import Health Standard for sea containers, yet it is not fully in place.

He says this means the Ministry is not as effective as it could be in checking, and promoting, industry compliance, though he acknowledges the Ministry is taking steps to address his concerns.

- NEWSTALK ZB