Clutha-Southland MP Hamish Walker has launched a Member’s Bill which proposes to give border officials the authority to refuse entry to the country to people who knowingly bring in high-risk biosecurity items. The Bill will increase infringement fees from $400 to $1000 for those at the border who attempt to bring in illegal biosecurity items and also allow officers to refuse entry to those who are attempting to breach biosecurity laws. Mr Walker has stated how important prevention is in helping to protect New Zealand’s borders, so the added fines and entry refusal will help dissuade breaches. More people are travelling to New Zealand each year which increases the risk of biosecurity breaches occurring.

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