The Opposition is accusing the Government of being shortsighted and breaking its word over a decision to axe 60 jobs at Biosecurity New Zealand.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry is cutting the jobs because of a drop in trade and passenger numbers. Cargo volumes are down by 13% and passenger arrivals are down by 4%.
Thirty positions that are currently vacant are to be dis-established and a further 30 people made redundant from a total pool of 700.
But the Opposition's agriculture spokesperson Jim Anderton says the announcement comes when there is already talk of an economic recovery next year and personnel will again be needed.
MAF promises the cuts won't cause lapses in biosecurity. It says there should be no noticeable change in border services.
Federated Farmers says it accepts MAF's assurance that it will maintain standards.
But biosecurity spokesperson John Hartnell warns that recent biosecurity breaches suggests standards are already low.
