New Zealand | Ministry sets up a register for safe practice for essential COVID-19 businesses

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has set up a register for safe practice in the sector as New Zealand moves to National Alert Level 4 in response to COVID-19, says director-general Ray Smith.

“Alongside [Agriculture and Food Safety] Minister [Damien] O’Connor, I met with more than 90 sector stakeholders by conference call yesterday,’’ Mr Smith says.

“It was an extremely constructive meeting and I know that everyone who took part wants to do their best for New Zealand as we meet the COVID-19 challenge.”

Mr Smith says MPI requires safety assurances from operators that their processes protect workers and the public by limiting interactions between staff and reducing the potential spread of COVID-19.

"The Government's declaration of essential services approves those operating in the primary sector, but we just need to verify that operators are following safe practices.

“We are asking 11 critical questions about how you intend to stop any spread of COVID-19,” says Mr Smith.

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