Complaints over MPI's response to Mycoplasma bovis claims

A North Otago farming couple have lodged two complaints with MPI over the M. bovis response. Photo / Supplied to the NZ Herald by DairyNZ

North Otago farmers Kerry and Rosie Dwyer have lodged two complaints with the Ministry for Primary Industries over the Mycoplasma bovis response.

Mr and Mrs Dwyer have complained about MPI's lack of response to removing a notice of direction imposed on their property in November, and the lack of progress on their claim for compensation for animals slaughtered.

The couple, who farm at Maheno, bought calves from the affected Van Leeuwen Dairy Group. They voluntarily sent 400 calves to slaughter, against the advice of MPI, but felt they had no choice.

Mr and Mrs Dwyer believed the ministry was not treating them in a "fair and just manner".

They were issued with a restricted place notice — legally preventing movement of animals on to and off the property — on August 22 last year. That was revoked on November 21 when they were given a notice of direction (Nod). A Nod is issued when it is believed movement of stock and other risk goods poses a risk of spreading the disease. It does not stop movement on to a farm, but cattle can only be sent off farm if a permit is granted.

Since then, Mr Dwyer had repeatedly sought an answer as to when the Nod would be removed.

In their letter, the couple said they had read in various MPI media releases that it was "working closely with affected farmers" to get them back into normal business mode, but that was not their reality.

"After continued approaches to MPI personnel, we are receiving no assistance and no revocation of our Notice of Direction, which would allow us to resume normal business," they said.

They sent a claim for compensation in early January but, to date, had no "offer" response from MPI's compensation team.

On March 1, Mr Dwyer emailed the compensation co-ordinator to inquire about progress with their claim and was told it was being processed and was classed as "high priority".

He was aware another claim received by that office on January 1 had an offer extended on March 31.

"We read in various MPI media releases that the ministry is endeavouring to process compensation claims rapidly. This is not our reality," the couple said.

Mr Dwyer was awaiting MPI compensation guidelines, and he said a response was needed by May 2 under an Official Information Act request.

He understood any claims over $100,000 had to go through the Crown Law Office, which said it would handle one claim per fortnight.

Earlier this week, MPI director of response Geoff Gwyn said MPI was significantly increasing staffing in its compensation team and it was offering specific training to professional rural and farming advisers so they could better support farmers to complete their compensation claims.

Mr Dwyer said compiling compensation claim cost was not claimable under Biosecurity Act, so training people to help farmers compile claims was "nice" but he questioned who would pay for it.