An Australian parliamentary delegation has flown to New Zealand to visit the country's apple-packing facilities amid concerns New Zealand's biosecurity measures aren't up to scratch.
According to a report by New Zealand's 3news.co.nz, Australian inspection authorities on Monday (17 October) rejected over 21,000 New Zealand apples, three of a total 13 consignments bound for Australia.
The rejected shipment was found to contain leaf matter, which could carry disease, and an apple-leaf-curling midge, which could damage trees.
Australian shadow agriculture minister John Cobb and three other coalition MPs arrived in New Zealand on Tuesday (18 October) to spend three days visiting apple orchards and packhouses. They will also meet New Zealand horticulture minister David Carter.
Mr Cobb told 3news the rejection showed the Australian federal government was wrong to ignore the concerns of Australia's apple industry. 'It is a pretty damning rejection rate,' he said.
A 90-year Australian import ban on New Zealand apples was lifted in August following a ruling by the World Trade Organization last year.
