The Ministry for Primary Industries will stop trucks in the upper South Island to check that farmers moving cattle from the South to the North Island are complying with their legal obligations under the NAIT Act.
The programme, which begins today and is likely to be extended to other parts of the country, will see farmers fined for non-compliance.
Dave Harrison, General Manager Policy and Advocacy at Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), said: “It is vital the entire industry complies with the NAIT requirements.
“We accept that not all farmers always meet their NAIT requirements. Unfortunately, those not doing so are letting the farmers down that do comply.”
B+LNZ also wishes to see the NAIT system developed so it is simpler to use, said Mr Harrison.
“However, we also recognise that there is a role for enforcement action for the small minority of farmers who refuse to use the system.
“Our preference is for enforcement action to focus on willing non-compliance. Any issues linked to connectivity or difficulties in understanding how to use the NAIT system should be addressed through education.”
