MPI’s front line never gets a day off

Some MPI staff will not get a holiday while the rest of NZ is enjoying summer. (Image: Greg Bowker)

Fri, 03 Jan 2025

When New Zealand goes into the great summer shutdown over Christmas and New Year, some people’s working lives are just starting to get busy. This includes many of the public servants who work at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), whose front line operates 365 days a year. Airport arrivals begin to ramp up from about the middle of December, and more cruise ships arrive. For biosecurity dog handler Lushea Cooper and her beagle partner Mable, more arrivals equals more things to find. “It’s an exciting time...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.
Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].interval) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Environment

Manufacturing emissions fell 6.2% in September quarter

Manufacturing GDP was down 2.6% in the same quarter.

Staff reporters 4:00pm

Infrastructure

Lyttelton Port result improves but CEO says it's not enough

The CEO says Lyttelton Port does not generate sufficient returns on its capital base.

Rebecca Howard 3:45pm

Lyttelton Port result improves but CEO says it's not enough

Economy

Pros and cons of a corporate tax cut

Business groups are keen for a cut; others doubt its impact and feasibility.

Pattrick Smellie 3:00pm

Sponsored

Shining bright: Why gold matters today

The “great wealth store” remains a smart portfolio choice in 2025.

Smart

Sponsored

Why Kiwis are embracing Bitcoin ETFs

The once hard-to-access investment option is becoming mainstream.

Smart

More Primary Sector

Primary Sector

Zhiqiang Li takes helm as acting CEO of Westland Milk Products

Zhiqiang Li has taken the helm as acting chief executive of Westland Milk Products, effective today.The move follows the resignation of former CEO Richard Wyeth.Li will continue as executive director of Yili Group in Australia and New Zealand.Li said Wyeth joined the company four...

Rebecca Howard 31 Jan 2025