Calling all Windsurf, Tornado, and Laser Radials

by MAF Biosecurity New Zealand on 19 Dec 2007 Message to visiting Windsurf, Tornado, and Laser Radial sailors from MAF Biosecurity New Zealand

You're coming to New Zealand for the windsurfing world champs. At the same time you'll be enjoying the best this country offers in great beaches, a clean, green environment, friendly people and (hopefully) some great windsurfing conditions.

In order to protect this unique environment of ours, we need your help to ensure you don't unwittingly carry in pests or diseases that could harm New Zealand.

Here are a handful of pointers to help ease your entry to the country through the biosecurity border controls:

·         Make sure all your gear – board, sails, wetsuits, swimwear etc – is clean and dry. 

·         Fill in the New Zealand Passenger Arrival card accurately.

·         Please declare to the Quarantine Inspectors that you are carrying diving and watersports equipment.  They may need to inspect it to ensure it's clean and dry.  This is to make sure you don't mistakenly bring in, for example, seeds, aquatic pests and diseases.

·         Also ensure you declare any food items as per the instructions on the Passenger Arrival Card.  This includes any foods cooked, uncooked, fresh, preserved, packaged or dried.  For your information, New Zealand stores carry a good range of foodstuffs and you should not have any difficulty finding your usual food requirements here.

·         If you're unsure about anything, please ask the Quarantine Inspectors for help and advice.  Better to do this than risk a $200 instant fine for anything accidentally carried through.  Remember honesty is the best policy.  If you're not sure, declare it!

Have a brilliant time in New Zealand!