Listen: Damien O'Connor - 'biosecurity is our number one priority'

Minister of Agriculture Damien O'Connor. Photo / Supplied

Myrtle rust has been discovered in Auckland recently, a sign that the plant disease is getting out of control.

"I don't think we can contain it," says Damien O'Connor, "it's a big job ahead of us still with Myrtle rust."

However the Minister of Agriculture believes Mycoplasma bovis can be controlled and eradicated and praises farmers and sharemilkers who have co-operated under immense pressure during the process.

"It's a reminder for everyone in every primary sector that we've all got to do our bit to try and ensure that biosecurity is our number one priority and that we don't drop the ball."

Also in today's interview with The Country's Jamie Mackay: Damien talks immigration numbers and the manned re-entry of Pike River.

Listen below: