MPI calls for public consultation on NAIT scheme regulations

The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has released a discussion paper on proposed regulations governing the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme.

Public consultation is sought on the proposed regulations, which include 12 infringement offences and the establishment of a panel for applications to access the NAIT information system. The regulations relate to the implementation and support of the NAIT scheme.

“The NAIT scheme has a strong focus on education, assistance and direction. That approach will be effective for the vast majority of people. The proposed regulations for infringement offences give the scheme another way to enhance compliance,” said MPI Director of Preparedness and Partnership David Hayes.

Six proposed regulations for establishing the access panel are outlined in the discussion paper.

“The rationale for the panel is that some applications for access to NAIT data may be quite complex in terms of judging and balancing the ‘industry good’ benefit of the application against privacy rights,” Hayes said.

Three to four people with specialist knowledge and experience in the pastoral sector or privacy law would comprise the panel, which would be publicly notified.

Submissions are due by close of business on 5 September. For details on the proposals and how to make a submission, click here.