Extra $11 million for border control

2.15pm

Alien pests and smugglers are targeted in Thursday's budget, with an extra $11.746 million allocated to keeping them out of the country.

Acting Biosecurity Minister Marian Hobbs announced the extra spending today, saying it would be spread over the next four financial years.

The Government was committed to improving biosecurity and border control, she said.

Ms Hobbs said she had also commissioned a $1 million research project to improve biosecurity measures for sea freight.

New funding from the budget will go toward laboratory services provided by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry, she said.

Other initiatives include new research into the varroa bee mite, increased surveillance resources, and support for a biosecurity awareness programme.

- NZPA

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