reef Posted January 19, 2015 Report Share Posted January 19, 2015 It seems that MPI is looking to increase fees for importation of fish etc, http://www.mpi.govt.nz/news-and-resourc ... od-safety/ Not sure if anyone has seen this , but it seems to be a major which will have major consequences for the hobby. Currently importers pay about $100 a hour to get fish checked and to do paper work/audits etc, looks like this fee is almost to be doubled. All clubs should be putting in a submission to reject all fee increases. i Believe FNZAS has a close relationship with MPI, do they have any info.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted January 19, 2015 Report Share Posted January 19, 2015 It appears that they are doing this to recover costs and make it more equitable for all importers with some possibly paying less 4.8.2 Problem definition Some applications for import permits require MPI staff time beyond that anticipated by the current unit charge of $144.89, either because of problems with the standard of the application (requiring additional time to resolve) or complexity. While most permits take around the standard time, a significant minority exceed this, with approximately five percent taking around eight hours. Options considered were: introducing an hourly charge for those permits that exceed the standard time; setting a maximum charge of eight hours staff time above the unit charge; introducing a higher unit charge or a second unit charge for other more complex ‘classes’ of application. Introducing an hourly charge would mean those cases where applications take much longer than the standard time could be cost recovered on the basis of the actual time taken. That would provide an incentive for applicants to ensure their applications are in order when they are submitted. 4.7.1 Background Activities that take place outside standard working hours impose a higher cost on MPI as we must pay staff over-time and penal rates. While the Regulations allow for call-outs (when staff are called back to work) to be recovered for at higher hourly rates to reflect the additional costs, other activity outside standard working hours 4.7 BIOSECURITY#1 – RECOVER FOR ACTIVITY OUTSIDE STANDARD WORKING HOURS 4.7.1 Background Activities that take place outside standard working hours impose a higher cost on MPI as we must pay staff over-time and penal rates. While the Regulations allow for call-outs (when staff are called back to work) to be recovered for at higher hourly rates to reflect the additional costs, other activity outside standard working hours that does not constitute a call-out is currently recoverable only at the standard hourly rates. 4.7.2 Problem definition Activities undertaken by staff outside of standard working hours (those that are not call-outs) impose a higher cost than MPI currently recovers because staff must be paid overtime and penal rates. Out-of-standard-working-hours services for border clearance staff (quarantine inspectors) are infrequent. There is, however, substantial under-recovery (about $0.3 million a year) currently occurring for veterinary professional services undertaken to clear live animals at the border and in transitional and containment facilities. The options considered to address this under-recovery were: increasing the BSEL or (standard) hourly rates to recover the higher costs; increasing quarantine inspector and veterinary inspector rates; increasing veterinary inspector rates only; ceasing to provide rostered veterinary professional services outside of standard working hours. Changes to the BSEL or hourly rates are not considered appropriate solutions since both would result in cross-subsidisation and would therefore be inequitable. Providing the veterinary professional services in question outside of standard working hours where required is also not considered to be discretionary. 4.7.3 Proposed charges MPI proposes to amend the Regulations to allow recovery at the higher rates that MPI pays veterinary professionals for rostered work outside of standard working hours (being either 1.5 times or 2.0 times normal rates). These rates would equally apply to any periods of ‘waiting time’ experienced during a call-out. This would apply to both veterinary inspector services provided, and to veterinary inspector travel during this time (see also Biosecurity #4 ─ 22 Consultation Paper on Proposed Revisions to the Cost Recovery Regime Ministry for Primary Industries Additional travel zone and travel costs for veterinary inspectors). The proposed veterinary inspector hourly rates are: standard T1.0 hourly rate ─ $186.30; hourly rate incorporating T1.5 staff costs ─ $252.17; hourly rate incorporating T2.0 staff costs ─ $318.04. Given the administrative complexity associated with differential charging and the relatively low volume of work that is done outside standard working hours by (non-veterinarian) border clearance staff, we propose that the hourly rate for quarantine inspectors undertaking rostered work outside standard working hours remains the same as now (that is, at the regular hourly rate). The proposal to recover costs at higher rates for veterinary inspectors would support efficiency, as it would mean the users of these services would be paying their actual costs, and would be equitable, as it would not involve cross-subsidisation by BSEL payers and/or those requiring services during standard working hours. 4.7.4 Questions for consideration Question 4.7: 1) Should these out-of-hours services be offered as standard and instead recovered through the BSEL or standard hourly rates? 2) What is your preferred option for cost recovery of outside of standard working hours for veterinary services? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef Posted January 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2015 It appears that they are doing this to recover costs and make it more equitable for all importers with some possibly paying less How does 105% increase in fee make it equitable, no one will be paying less. Plus also fee increases for getting goods cleared, increase in yearly permits. Plus there are many other hidden fees that most are not aware of yet. like getting clearance for fish food/ bacteria etc , This has a Massive impact if it goes ahead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef Posted January 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2015 4.10 BIOSECURITY#4 – AMEND CHARGES FOR ADDITIONAL TRAVEL ZONE AND For veterinary professionals MPI proposes to amend the Regulations to provide for a ‘time plus mileage’ approach to recovering all travel costs of veterinary professionals. This would better suit the nature of veterinary professional activities, align with the charging approach for exports under food safety legislation, and allow MPI to fully recover travel costs. The basis for calculating charges would be: a charge per hour for time spent away from base (at the normal, time and a half, or double time rate, as appropriate), plus a per kilometre charge for distance travelled ─ being the per kilometre rate published by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue in accordance with section DE 12 (3) of the Income Tax Act 2007, currently $0.77. See section 9.4for further information on a proposal to link all vehicle mileage rates to the rate calculated by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), plus the actual and reasonable costs associated with the activity being undertaken. Travel will also have a massive increase. instead of the current set fee , importers will pay time plus mileage fee So a 25km return trip will cost around $300. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted January 19, 2015 Report Share Posted January 19, 2015 It seems to me that they wish to recover the costs involved in the work they do. Does this not fit it with policies of "user pays", "private enterprise" and "capitalism", which seems to me the system that we live and work under. You would not expect to be subsidised by people with no interest in fish would you---that would be communism. Democracy is at work and you have the right to put your case to the "powers that be". We are just the consumers and we will end up paying no matter what. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef Posted January 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2015 I think also the lack of input by clubs/industry over the last 10 years have compounded the predicament the hobby is in. The ornamental fish importation has so many requirements which have come about from the lack of input over the years, which has translated into substantial compliance cost. The end of the hobby is not far away and will only be available for the rich. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef Posted January 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2015 There are going to be meetings, so i suggest people go along. Date Biosecurity Food Safety Mon 26 Jan DUNEDIN Scenic Hotel Southern Cross 123 Princes Street 1.00-2.00 PM CHRISTCHURCH Rydges Hotel 10.30 AM Tues 27 Jan CHRISTCHURCH MPI Office, SWPD Meeting Room 1 14 Sir William Pickering Drive, Burnside 1.00-2.00 PM NELSON Rutherford Hotel 11.00 AM Weds 28 Jan WELLINGTON Rydges Hotel Meeting, Grand Space 75 Featherston Street, Pipitea 1.30 PM - 3.00 PM AUCKLAND Rendezvous Hotel, 10.30 AM and Holiday Inn Auckland Airport, 2.30 PM Thurs 29 Jan NAPIER Napier War Memorial Main Room 48 Marine Parade, Bluff Hill 10.30 AM - 12.00 PM HAMILTON Kingsgate Hotel 10.30 AM Fri 30 Jan TAURANGA Trinity Wharf Hotel, Pool House 51 Dive Crescent, Bay of Plenty 10.30 AM - 12.00 PM WELLINGTON MPI, Pastoral House 25 The Terrace 10.00 AM Mon 2 Feb NAPIER War Memorial Conference Centre 11.00 AM Tues 3 Feb AUCKLAND Crowne Plaza, 10.30 AM and Sudima Auckland Airport, 2.30 PM Weds 4 Feb AUCKLAND Rendezvous Hotel 71 Mayoral Drive 10.00 AM and 1.30 PM PALMERSTON NORTH Copthorne Hotel 10.00 AM Thurs 5 Feb AUCKLAND AIRPORT Holiday Inn Auckland Airport Jean Batten Room 10.30 AM and 1.00 PM DUNEDIN Southern Cross Hotel 12.30 PM Fri 6 Feb Waitangi Day Waitangi Day Mon 9 Feb TAURANGA Daniels in the Park Function Centre 10.30 AM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrienne Posted January 20, 2015 Report Share Posted January 20, 2015 In answer to your original question Reef - nothing has been received from MPI about this. They have been communicating re other matters but as yet, not this. Oh and thank you for the link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted January 20, 2015 Report Share Posted January 20, 2015 1.00-2.00 PM NELSON Rutherford Hotel 11.00 AM Ahhh what date and time in Nelson? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godly3vil Posted January 20, 2015 Report Share Posted January 20, 2015 27th of this month, at the Rutherford, 11am if I am reading it correctly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted January 20, 2015 Report Share Posted January 20, 2015 So CHCH and Nelson on the same day, one in the morning and one in the arvo? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrienne Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 Yup 11am Rutherford Hotel on 27 January It's either short or there are several people doing the tours around the country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 Dam, I may need to get an hour or so off 'work' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef Posted January 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 Would be good if you can. As many need to go as possible as it is a major hurdle the hobby will have going forward, current proposal to increase MPI fees by 105% will make a major impact on fish prices, plus in a few years we will likely see further increases, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef Posted January 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 Have advised the Pet industry association, so hopefully they will advise all stores and make a submission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef Posted January 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 To give you a idea what retail price might look like for marine fish/corals after the proposed MPI fee increases. Banggai Cardinalfish $135 Blue-Sided Fairywrasse Male $130 Coral beauty $180 Decorated fire fish $140 Clown fish $130 Jawelled Blenny $120 Bubble coral $150 Torch coral $190 Blue mushrooms $160 Catalaphyllia jardinei $190 Cleaner shrimp $130 Now who is happy with that. I dont have fresh water indication , but will look to get one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 To give you a idea what retail price might look like for marine fish/corals after the proposed MPI fee increases. Banggai Cardinalfish $135 Blue-Sided Fairywrasse Male $130 Coral beauty $180 Decorated fire fish $140 Clown fish $130 Jawelled Blenny $120 Bubble coral $150 Torch coral $190 Blue mushrooms $160 Catalaphyllia jardinei $190 Cleaner shrimp $130 Now who is happy with that. I dont have fresh water indication , but will look to get one. That looks about like what I remember paying when I had my tank... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Similar to when there wasn't much competition in the importing of marines It will make breeding and fragging a more viable proposition for some Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 I think MPI are entitled to recover their actual and reasonable costs---so long as that is what they actually are. Get breeding you salties, it may become worth your while to start with some of the easier ones and leave the fancy stuff with the fancy prices to the importers. If the prices get too high it may be worth the importers looking at what their mark up is as well. 100%+ mark up may be alright on some items but perhaps they could look at the mark up on more expensive items as there is a limit to what the market is prepared to pay. The days where you think of a number and double it may be over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef Posted January 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Similar to when there wasn't much competition in the importing of marines Really?? fact-less. To give you a idea what retail price might look like after the proposed MPI fee increases. also added some prices currently charged at Hollywoods Yellow tang $300- Yellow Tangs $199.90 Banggai Cardinalfish $135 Blue-Sided Fairywrasse Male $130 Coral beauty $180- Coral Beauty $110.00 Decorated fire fish $140 - Fire Goby $99.90 Clown fish $130 Jawelled Blenny $120- Lawnmower Blenny $79.90 Bubble coral $150- Green Bubble Coral $129.90 Torch coral $190- Torch Coral $139.90 Blue mushrooms $160-Blue Mushrooms - Discosoma sp. $139.90 Catalaphyllia jardinei $210 - Catalaphyllia $179.90 Cleaner shrimp $130 Note prices can vary depending what size/supplier etc. Looking back to price list i have 4 years ago a coral beauty would retail at $80 with so called none competition. Your facts are not correct , not really helping the hobby with false facts and lack of industry experience. The issue is not about competition its about dramatic price increase which will effect every hobbyist and make it very hard for small importers to cover the costs. Sure it can all be pass on, but that does not help the growth of the hobby. Get breeding you salties, it may become worth your while to start with some of the easier ones and leave the fancy stuff with the fancy prices to the importers. If the prices get too high it may be worth the importers looking at what their mark up is as well. 100%+ mark up may be alright on some items but perhaps they could look at the mark up on more expensive items as there is a limit to what the market is prepared to pay. The days where you think of a number and double it may be over. if it was that easy. why would a importer take the risk in just importing so called fancy fish. its based on volumes, plus you still get deaths after QT. who covers that. also not easy to get fancy fish in large numbers. Marine can't be breed in large numbers. only about 2% of all species can be breed. good luck with that. Freshwater fish will be effected by the proposed increase, however not as much given the volume per shipment. I think MPI are entitled to recover their actual and reasonable costs To some degree. however they have put major compliance in place , which cost to manage. plus they have a monopoly , no competition to there pricing. PLUS, How does overpricing Business's with extra costs, how does this encourage growth. Jobs,? If the tax payer has to fund some of the cost so be it, as it is recovered in other ways like Jobs, Growth, trade & taxes from Business etc. Question. why employ a Vet to check fish? they have no experience, not interested in the condition of fish, and its all about spread sheets and paper work. seems to be a major MPI business structure problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Marines are at the stage where fresh water fish were at 20-30 years ago and people were thinking "If only I could work out how to breed neons." I admit marine breeding is not as easy but I am sure that many will be commercially produced in the near future. We still have to compete with the idiots throwing cyanide over the reefs though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef Posted January 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Marines are at the stage where fresh water fish were at 20-30 years ago and people were thinking Totally different ball game. marine go threw a plankton stage, so very difficult to feed them, will never we easy to breed most of them. Plus its not just about fish imports, the big picture means that less fish will be imported, which mean less hobbyist and less stores buying drystock. Higher fish prices will mean bigger mark ups as the risk is higher. its a price increase to $200/hr then in 4 years it could be another $200hr. That is how they have operated in the past. to continue to find ways to increase cost recovery that a tax payer never sees anyway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 The inspections down here are done by a vet and $200/hour seems reasonable for a vet. Engineers and lawyers are getting a lot more than that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef Posted January 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 thats already been covered Question. why employ a Vet to check fish? they have no experience, not interested in the condition of fish, and its all about spread sheets and paper work. seems to be a major MPI business structure problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexyay Posted January 23, 2015 Report Share Posted January 23, 2015 thats already been covered What expert do you propose checks it instead? (To note: I'm not particularly happy with price increases and hope to attend one of the meetings myself) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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