The report uncovered bio-security failings in border control processes, including unauthorised import of kiwifruit plant parts from China, and exposed communication failures, such as that related to the import of kiwifruit pollen. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (now the Ministry of Primary Industries) was not aware that pollen could carry the disease, however, the information was available, the government agency Plant and Food being fully aware at the time.
At this stage no one implicated in the reports is willing to issue an apology. Zespri: on claims that it could have communicated better with growers, says that it wants time to respond to the report's findings and discuss the issue with growers prior to any official statement.
The government is refusing calls for an apology at this stage saying that, though the reports exposes failings in the system, it is not clear that these were responsible for the disease's entry into the country.
Prime Minister, John Key, says "They're not sure at all that the shortcomings lead to the virus coming into New Zealand."
Ministry of Primary Industries Director General, Wayne NcNee, concurred with this view, saying, "We actually still don't know exactly how Psa-V came to new Zealand. What this report does tell us is that we can improve the way we manage the border system and we need to act on that, it's so important for us."
McNee did say that the ministry was rapidly going to implement the suggestions for improvement that the report was making and would report back on the issue in three month's time.
Horticultural expert, Professor Emeritus, Ian Warrington of Massey university, does not believe that tightening border controls will be the end of such matters however. He says there needs to be more of a focus on gathering information about what is happening internationally in the horticultural industry and managing risk accordingly.
"it's all very well focusing on the point of entry," he said, but that belies the fact that you are not gathering intelligence on what's happening globally and anticipating what action needs to be taken within NZ. Putting more people at the border will not necessarily resolve these issues."
Source: newstalkzb.co.nz; 3news.co.nz; tvnz.co.nz; scoop.co.nz