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What work, if any, is being undertaken through the Food Act Improvement Programme to improve consistency, transparency, and accountability in the delivery of food verification services? and 1 other question

Answered 30718, 30720 (2026)
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Asked by

Rachel Brooking

Member for Dunedin · Labour Party

Questions

  • 30718

    What work, if any, is being undertaken through the Food Act Improvement Programme to improve consistency, transparency, and accountability in the delivery of food verification services?

  • 30720

    What steps, if any, is the Minister taking to address the variation in food safety verification fees from Councils around New Zealand?

Answered by

Hon Andrew Hoggard

List MP · ACT Party · Minister for Food Safety

Answer

One of my priorities as Minister for Food Safety has been to instigate the Food Act Improvement Programme (FAIP). One of the priorities under FAIP is national consistency in advice and application of the Food Act, which includes a review of the current verification and registration fees and charges set by councils. As part of this work New Zealand Food Safety has carried out a website survey and analysis of the registration and verification fees currently charged by Territorial Authorities (TAs). They have also conducted a review comparing fees charged in 2018 and 2025. NZFS is now preparing to discuss the survey and review findings with councils to find ways to increase national consistency of registration and/or verification fees.