Menzies Aviation Limited has been ordered to pay $150,000 for Biosecurity Act breaches. 

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said the case related to potential pest escape risk. 

MPI said Menzies operated two transitional facilities at Auckland Airport for imported airfreight, containers and packaging. 

The ministry said it told Menzies to ensure goods were wrapped in plastic, with no gaps or holes, to prevent any potential unwanted pests from escaping. 

“It’s at these facilities that uncleared risk goods go through the necessary biosecurity clearance,” MPI said. 

MPI regional manager Aleshea Allen said quarantine officers found six consignments of uncleared risk goods improperly wrapped. 

“In addition, senior quarantine officers found the inspection room and facilities did not meet hygiene standards and were unfit for purpose.” 

Allen said that created a potential biosecurity risk at the border. 

MPI said there was no biosecurity equipment present to deal with risks and no records available to document cleaning of the room and staff training. 

“Our expectation is that all companies that handle imported goods meet the requirements of the Biosecurity Act,” MPI added. 

“The rules are there for a reason and the stakes are high as unwanted pests and diseases could have a devastating effect on our communities and economy,” Allen said. 

The High Court at Auckland penalised Menzies for failing to comply with the MPI compliance order. 

It was not immediately clear if Menzies was considering an appeal against the penalty.