Meat Board Act 2004

1: Title
This Act is the Meat Board Act 2004.
1: Preliminary provisions
2: Commencement
This Act comes into force on 1 July 2004.
3: Purpose
The purpose of this Act is—
a: to provide for the New Zealand Meat Board to establish and operate meat export quota management systems and to provide for compliance audits in relation to such systems; and
b: to make provision for the ownership and use of the Board's assets; and
c: to make provision for certain tax consequences in relation to the transfer of funds and other assets between the Board and an industry-good organisation; and
d: to provide for transitional arrangements relating to the transfer of the Board's industry-good functions to the industry-good organisation.
4: Interpretation
1: In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— allocation mechanism section 23 annual general meeting section 58(1) authorised person section 60 section 61 Board section 4(1) of the Meat Board Act 1997 section 6 board of directors clause 5(3) director document
a: any writing on or in any material; and
b: information recorded or stored by means of a tape recorder, computer, or other device, and material subsequently derived from information so recorded or stored; and
c: a record, book, graph, or drawing; and
d: a photograph, film, negative, tape, disk, or other device in which 1 or more visual images are embodied or stored so as to be capable (with or without the aid of equipment) of being reproduced financial year former Board section 4(1) of the Meat Board Act 1997 industry-good organisation
a: means Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited; and
b: includes any organisation certified by the Minister under subsection (3) as a successor organisation to that company industry-selected director
a: nominated by the industry-good organisation under section 13(2)(a), (b), or (c)
b: nominated by the industry-good organisation under clause 2(4)(a)
c: elected by livestock farmers or meat processors or exporters under regulations made under this Act; or
d: nominated or appointed under regulations made under this Act by a person other than the Minister kind licensed premises
a: a licensed abattoir or licensed export slaughterhouse (within the meaning of the Meat Act 1981
b: the premises of any animal product business within the meaning of the Animal Products Act 1999 Part 2 Part 3 licensee licensed premises livestock
a: means animals that are cattle, goats, or sheep; and
b: includes animals of any other kind that are for the time being declared by the Governor-General by Order in Council to be livestock for the purposes of this Act ( see livestock farmer market meat Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited Companies Act 1993 meat industry meat product
a: meat; or
b: edible offal taken from slaughtered livestock; or
c: an article or substance intended for human consumption (other than a vell or rennet) that is derived wholly or substantially from slaughtered livestock Minister Ministry occupier
a: in relation to any place physically occupied by any person, means that person; and
b: in relation to any other place, means the owner of the place; and
c: in relation to any place, includes any agent, employee, or other person, acting or apparently acting in the general management or control of the place quota certificate
a: a particular consignment of meat product; or
b: a particular quantity of meat product exported or to be exported by a specified person quota compliance audit section 38 quota management system quota market registered exporter Part 3 reserves
a: fees collected under section 55
b: fees collected under section 36
i: were made in relation to quota management; and
ii: were not themselves funded from quota fees set under section 36
2: A quota market
3: For the purposes of the definition of industry-good organisation, the Minister may certify an organisation to be a successor organisation to the company described in that definition if he or she is satisfied that—
a: that company has ceased to carry out substantially the functions relating to the meat industry for which it was set up; and
b: the organisation is carrying out substantially the same functions relating to the meat industry as those for which the company was set up.
4: An order under the definition of livestock in subsection (1) is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 1997 No 105 s 2 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 4(1) livestock amended 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Section 4(4) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
5: Act binds the Crown
This Act binds the Crown. 1997 No 105 s 3
2: New Zealand Meat Board
6: New Zealand Meat Board
1: The New Zealand Meat Board established under section 4(1) of the Meat Board Act 1997
2: The Board is a body corporate with perpetual succession, and is the same legal entity as the former Board.
3: The Board's assets belong ultimately to livestock farmers, but may for the time being be held and administered in accordance with the Board's objects. 1997 No 105 s 4
7: Objects of Board
The objects of the Board are—
a: to facilitate the capture, for New Zealand and in the interests of the meat industry, of the best possible ongoing returns available from quota markets:
b: to manage the Board's reserves and other assets in the interests of livestock farmers. 1997 No 105 s 5
8: Functions of Board
1: The functions of the Board are:
a: to establish and operate quota management systems:
b: to collect, process, and maintain information as required to support the Board's function under paragraph (a):
c: to manage, in the interests of livestock farmers, the Board's reserves and other assets, including—
i: providing funding to assist in the meat industry's response to any major industry crisis; and
ii: maintaining a prudent level of net assets to avoid jeopardising quota markets and the integrity of quota management systems; and
iii: providing funding for industry-good activities:
d: to account to livestock farmers regarding the Board's activities:
e: to perform such other functions as are conferred on the Board by this Act or any other enactment.
2: Without limiting the Board's ability to contract for services, the Board may not delegate any of its functions other than to a director, officer, or employee of the Board in accordance with clause 8
3: The Board may perform any of the Board's functions to the extent only that its performance is consistent with the Board's objects.
4: It is also a function of the Board to report regularly to the Minister on—
a: its achievement of its objects; and
b: its performance of its functions; and
c: any other matters the Board thinks fit or the Minister requests. 1997 No 105 s 6
9: Powers of Board
1: Except as provided in this Act, the Board has—
a: the rights, powers, and privileges of a natural person; and
b: the power to issue debentures; and
c: the power to grant floating charges on the Board's undertaking or property, or any of it; and
d: the power to do any other thing it is authorised to do by this Act, or by any other enactment or rule of law.
2: Paragraphs (b) to (d) of subsection (1) do not affect the generality of paragraph (a) of that subsection.
3: The Board must not exercise any of its rights, powers, or privileges, except for the purpose of—
a: achieving its objects; or
b: performing its functions; or
c: entering into any financial transaction or financial obligation intended to—
i: avoid or lessen any present or possible future risk to the Board's current or future income or assets; or
ii: lessen any liability of the Board; or
iii: avoid or lessen any possible future liability of the Board; or
iv: maximise the Board's current or future income, (whether net or gross).
4: Neither the Board nor any of its subsidiaries may—
a: trade in meat products; or
b: hold any interest in any person that trades in meat products (other than an interest held in common with other members of the public in a fund or entity whose primary function is fund management over a wide range of investments). 1997 No 105 s 11
10: Power to distribute assets to livestock farmers
The Board may distribute any of its assets to livestock farmers (whether directly, indirectly through the industry-good organisation or the shareholding trust referred to in section 85(3)
a: the distribution would not prejudice its obligations under section 12
b: the Board has previously consulted livestock farmers on the amount, terms, and nature of the distribution.
11: International obligations
1: The Minister of the Crown who under the authority of any warrant or with the authority of the Prime Minister, is in charge of international trade may give the Board a written notice, specifying—
a: a particular international obligation of New Zealand relating to production, processing, or trade in meat products; and
b: an element of the performance of the Board's functions or the exercise of the Board's powers to which, in the Minister's opinion, the obligation is relevant.
2: Until the notice is revoked, the Board must ensure that its performance or exercise of the element is consistent with the obligation. 1997 No 105 s 12
12: Financial obligations and reserves policy
1: The Board must maintain a prudent level of net assets to avoid jeopardising quota markets and the integrity of quota management systems.
2: The Board must—
a: at all times have a policy on the use of its reserves; and
b: consult livestock farmers before setting or changing such a policy; and
c: make the policy available to livestock farmers on request; and
d: comply with its reserves policy.
3: The Board may not allocate funds from its reserves to the industry-good organisation or any other person to undertake specific industry-good projects unless it has first consulted livestock farmers.
4: Subsection (3) does not prevent the Board from allocating, without prior consultation, funds from its reserves for the purpose of assisting the meat industry in responding to any major industry crisis.
5: Subsection (2)(b) does not require the Board to consult livestock farmers on its reserves policy at any time before the first annual general meeting of the Board following the commencement of this Act, but it must consult them on that policy at that meeting.
13: Governance of Board
1: The affairs of the Board are to be governed by, or under the supervision or direction of, the board of directors.
2: Subject to subsections (4) to (6), the board of directors comprises—
a: 6 directors nominated by the industry-good organisation who are elected by livestock farmers as directors of the organisation; and
b: 2 directors nominated by the industry-good organisation who—
i: are directors of the organisation; and
ii: became directors of the organisation on the recommendation of another entity that represents meat processors and exporters; and
c: at the option of the industry-good organisation, 1 other director of the organisation nominated by the organisation; and
d: 2 directors appointed by the Minister, after consultation with the Board (or the former Board, in the case of the first appointments after the commencement of this Act) and taking into account the need for the Board to have expertise in relation to the international meat trade, quota management, and international trade relations.
3: The industry-good organisation must notify the Minister in writing of its nomination of directors under subsection (2)(a) to (c), and those directors are deemed to have been appointed as directors on the date of the notification.
4: If the industry-good organisation ceases to exist, or if the Minister is satisfied, and certifies accordingly, that—
a: the organisation is no longer owned by a trust the beneficiaries of which consist of all livestock farmers (except any reasonably excluded for reasons of administrative cost); or
b: the majority of the organisation's directors are no longer elected by livestock farmers broadly in proportion to their share of the livestock farming industry; or
c: the industry-good organisation has been unable to collect levies, neither in relation to sheepmeat nor to beef, under the Commodity Levies Act 1990 then new directors of the Board must be appointed or elected in accordance with regulations made under this Act.
5: The regulations must provide for a majority of the directors of the Board to be elected by livestock farmers. They may also specify—
a: the procedures the Minister must follow before and consequent upon being satisfied of the matters specified in subsection (4)(a), (b), or (c):
b: the number and type of directors to be elected or appointed to the Board:
c: the method of their election or appointment:
d: the term for which they hold office:
e: any appropriate transitional or other related matters or timeframes, including provision for the transfer from the industry-good organisation to the Board of—
i: rolls of livestock farmers compiled or held for the purposes of elections of directors or a referendum of livestock farmers; and
ii: any data compiled as a result of an election or referendum held using those rolls.
6: Where subsection (4) requires new directors to be appointed or elected,—
a: the appointments or elections must be made or conducted as soon as practicable; and
b: the directors nominated by the industry-good organisation continue in office until replaced by—
i: the new directors appointed or elected in accordance with regulations made for the purposes of this section; or
ii: interim directors appointed by the Minister under paragraph (c); and
c: the Minister may if he or she thinks fit, after consultation with such organisations representing livestock farmers and organisations representing meat processors and exporters as the Minister considers appropriate, appoint interim directors to replace the existing directors nominated by the industry-good organisation, such directors to hold office until replaced by new directors appointed or elected in accordance with regulations made for the purposes of this section; and
d: the existing directors appointed by the Minister under subsection (2)(d) continue in office until the new directors are appointed or elected. 1997 No 105 ss 13, 14
14: Application of Part 2 of Commerce Act 1986
1: Nothing in Part 2
a: by the Board (or by any agent, director, employee, or officer of the Board) under sections 23 to 37
b: by any person in compliance with any of those provisions.
2: In the determination for the purposes of section 43(1)
15: Provisions applying to directors
The provisions in Schedule 1
16: Provisions applying to Board and board of directors
The provisions in Schedule 2 Annual report and statements
17: Board to prepare financial statements
1: As soon as practicable after the last day of each financial year but before the following 1 March, the Board must prepare—
a: financial statements for the Board for that year; and
b: financial statements for the Board and every subsidiary (within the meaning of section 5
2: The financial statements must be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice (within the meaning of section 8
3: 1997 No 105 s 50 Section 17(2) replaced 1 April 2014 section 126 Financial Reporting (Amendments to Other Enactments) Act 2013 Section 17(3) repealed 1 April 2014 section 126 Financial Reporting (Amendments to Other Enactments) Act 2013
18: Audit of financial statements
1: Subject to subsection (2),—
a: the statements referred to in section 17
b: the Board must not appoint or reappoint an auditor without the approval of livestock farmers obtained, within 12 months before the end of the period to which the statements relate, at an annual general meeting.
2: Where, at the end of the period to which any statements referred to in section 17
2A: The person appointed as the auditor must be the Auditor-General or a person who is a qualified auditor within the meaning of section 35 Financial Reporting Act 2013
3: For the purposes of the audit of any statement referred to in section 17 Companies Act 1993
4: Where the Board or the Minister appoints the Auditor-General to audit any statements, the Auditor-General may audit them. 1997 No 105 s 51 Section 18(2A) inserted 1 April 2014 section 126 Financial Reporting (Amendments to Other Enactments) Act 2013
19: Remuneration of auditor
The Board must pay the person who audits its financial statements—
a: the remuneration agreed between the Board and the person, if the Board appointed the person:
b: the remuneration agreed between the Minister and the person (after the Minister has consulted the Board), if the Minister appointed the person. 1997 No 105 s 52
20: Annual report and statements to be presented to House of Representatives
1: As soon as is practicable after the statements referred to in section 17
a: a report of its operations and proceedings for the year, including—
i: a report on the exercise of its statutory powers during the year; and
ii: details of all particulars of indemnity and insurance recorded during the year under clause 11(4)
b: a copy of the statements and the report of its auditor on them; and
c: a report of the matters required to be included in the annual report of a company by paragraphs (e), (f), and (g) of section 211(1)
i: an accounting period were references to that year; and
ii: a company were references to the Board; and
iii: a director or former director were references to a director or former director of the Board; and
d: the maximum annual aggregate remuneration and benefits approved for industry-selected directors for that year; and
e: where a resolution under section 59(2)
2: As soon as is practicable after receiving copies of any such report or copy, the Minister must present a copy of it to the House of Representatives.
3: The Board must, without charge, make copies of the reports and statements most recently given to the Minister under subsection (1) available to all livestock farmers who ask for them, and for that purpose must ensure that there are available at every annual general meeting copies for livestock farmers attending.
4: The Board must also make those reports and statements available on its website or by other electronic means. 1997 No 105 s 53
3: Quota markets and registration of exporters
21: Purpose of this Part
The purpose of this Part is—
a: to provide for compliance with New Zealand's international treaty obligations relating to quota markets by or through the Board on behalf of the Crown; and
b: to provide for the administration of the allocation of access to such quota markets; and
c: to ensure that the meat industry is the recipient of the economic benefits deriving from quota markets.
22: Crown owns right to secure economic benefits from quota markets
The Crown owns the rights to secure the economic benefits deriving from quota markets, and those benefits are assigned for the benefit of the meat industry as provided in this Act.
23: Board to consider establishment of quota allocation mechanisms in certain circumstances
1: Where a quota market exists, the Board must establish and operate a mechanism for the allocation of access to that quota market if satisfied that the operation of an allocation mechanism would be consistent with the Board's objects.
2: An allocation mechanism under this section is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 1997 No 105 s 26 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication The maker must notify it in the Gazette section 24(3) LA19 ss 73 74(1)(a) cl 14 Presentation It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 23(2) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
24: Requirements for allocation mechanisms
1: The Board must not establish any particular allocation mechanism for any quota market unless it is consistent with the Board's objects.
2: An allocation mechanism—
a: must provide for or allow trading in allocated access; and
b: must provide for the allocation of access to existing participants in the meat export industry who are prospective participants in the market concerned; and
c: must provide for the proportionate adjustment of amounts of access already allocated or set aside under it where there has been an alteration of the total access at zero or concessional tariff rates to the market concerned.
3: An allocation mechanism must also specify—
a: the products to which it applies:
b: the quantity of products to which it applies:
c: the country or group of countries where the relevant quota market exists:
d: the tariff rate applying to each product concerned.
4: Without limiting what an allocation mechanism may include, an allocation mechanism may provide for consideration to be given to the proportion of quota allocated to a particular quota holder or applicant that was unused in the previous year when determining the allocation of quota or any adjustment of allocation of quota to that quota holder or applicant for any year.
5: To avoid doubt, an allocation mechanism may provide for an allocation of access to quota markets to any person who is a registered exporter, whether or not the person currently exports meat products. 1997 No 105 s 27 Section 24(5) added 6 September 2006 section 4 Meat Board Amendment Act 2006
25: Limitations on contents of allocation mechanisms
1: An allocation mechanism must not contain any element that—
a: excludes (or provides for the exclusion of) any person from the allocation of access to the market concerned on the ground that the person has not given a liability undertaking; or
b: imposes (or provides for the imposition of) any condition or limitation on the allocation of access to the market concerned to any person on the ground that the person has not given a liability undertaking; or
c: discriminates (or provides for discrimination) between persons who have given a liability undertaking and persons who have not.
2: An allocation mechanism must not contain any element having any of the effects specified in subsection (3), or contain any power to make the allocation of access to the market concerned subject to the imposition of any condition or requirement, except to the extent (if any) that is necessary—
a: to ensure that the mechanism is consistent with the Board's objects; or
b: to avoid jeopardising the continuing acceptance by authorities responsible for a quota market of the allocation by authorities in New Zealand of access to that market on current terms.
3: The effects referred to in subsection (2) are—
a: excluding persons from the allocation of access to the market concerned:
b: imposing any condition or limitation on the allocation to any person of access to the market concerned (except as provided in section 24(4)
c: discriminating between persons.
4: An allocation mechanism must not require persons to give (or provide for persons to be required to give) information to the Board, except to the extent (if any) that is necessary to enable the mechanism to operate effectively.
5: In this section and section 32 allocation give
a: accept, agree to, concede, enter into, execute, grant, procure, promise, sign, surrender, and undertake; and
b: undertake to give liability undertaking 1997 No 105 s 28
26: Consultation
The Board must not establish any particular allocation mechanism without consulting those meat industry organisations the Board thinks appropriate about its proposed establishment. 1997 No 105 s 29
27: Amendment of allocation mechanisms
1: The Board may at any time amend an allocation mechanism.
2: Sections 24 to 26
a: no impact on the shares of quota allocated to any person; and
b: no impact on whether or not a person receives any allocation in any subsequent year, and
c: no significant financial impact on any person to whom quota has been allocated.
3: An amendment to an allocation mechanism under this section is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 1997 No 105 s 30 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication The maker must notify it in the Gazette section 24(3) LA19 ss 73 74(1)(a) cl 14 Presentation It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 27(3) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
28: Exports must be in accordance with allocation mechanism
Where the Board has an allocation mechanism in operation in relation to a quota market, no person may export any meat product to that quota market, directly or indirectly, unless—
a: the person is the holder of quota access under the relevant allocation mechanism; and
b: the person is the holder of a valid quota certificate for the meat product issued by the Board under section 33
c: the export is in accordance with that allocation mechanism and that certificate.
29: Review of allocation mechanisms
1: The Board may at any time review any allocation mechanism.
2: The Board must review each unrevoked allocation mechanism at intervals not greater than 5 years. The first review of each allocation mechanism after the commencement of this Act must occur within 5 years of that commencement.
3: At the Minister's request, the Board must provide to the Minister a report on a review of any allocation mechanism.
4: Sections 23 to 26
a: if (by virtue of section 23
b: if (by virtue of section 24 section 25 1997 No 105 s 31
30: Revocation of allocation mechanisms
1: If satisfied that a quota market has ceased to exist, the Board must, as soon as practicable, revoke every allocation mechanism relating to that market.
2: The revocation of an allocation mechanism (whether under section 29(4)
a: does not limit or affect—
i: the ability of the Board to put into effect any element of it providing for the adjustment of amounts of access already allocated or set aside under it; or
ii: the ability of the Board to take action under section 34
b: subject to paragraph (a)(i), does not revoke or otherwise affect any allocation already made or set aside under it; and
c: does not affect the enforcement of any breach of the allocation mechanism occurring before its revocation.
3: A revocation of an allocation mechanism under this section is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 1997 No 105 s 32 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication The maker must notify it in the Gazette LA19 ss 73 74(1)(a) cl 14 Presentation It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 30(3) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
31: Notifications
1: As soon as practicable after establishing or amending an allocation mechanism, the Board must—
a:
b: give a written description of the mechanism (in the case of an amendment to a mechanism, indicating the amendment) to—
i: all meat industry organisations the Board thinks appropriate; and
ii: every other person the Board thinks likely to be directly affected by the mechanism or amendment.
2:
3: As soon as practicable after revoking an allocation mechanism, the Board must—
a:
b: give written notice that it has done so to—
i: all meat industry organisations the Board thinks appropriate; and
ii: every other person the Board thinks likely to be directly affected by the revocation.
4: As soon as practicable after any access is allocated under an allocation mechanism, the Board must publish in the Gazette 1997 No 105 s 33 Section 31(1)(a) repealed 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Section 31(2) repealed 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Section 31(3)(a) repealed 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
32: Decisions
1: Subject to subsection (2), a decision maker exercising a power of decision relating to which of several persons should be allocated access, how much access (if any) each of several persons should be allocated, or both, must take into account their existing investment (if any) and committed future investment (if any) in the distribution, marketing, packaging, or processing of meat products eligible
2: Subject to subsection (3), a decision maker must exercise a power of decision consistently with the Board's objects.
3: In exercising a power of decision, a decision maker must not—
a: exclude any person from the allocation of access to the market concerned on the ground that the person has not given a liability undertaking; or
b: impose any condition or limitation on the allocation of access to the market concerned to any person on the ground that the person has not given a liability undertaking; or
c: discriminate between persons who have given a liability undertaking and persons who have not.
4: If—
a: to have regard to any matter in exercising a power of decision; or
b: to allocate access subject to the imposition of any condition or requirement; or
c: to recommend that access should be allocated subject to the imposition of any condition or requirement,— would have any of the effects specified in subsection (5), the decision maker concerned must not do so, except to the extent (if any) that is necessary to do any of the things specified in subsection (6).
5: The effects referred to in subsection (4) are—
a: excluding persons from the allocation of access to the market concerned:
b: imposing any condition or limitation on the allocation to any person of access to the market concerned (except as provided in section 24(4)
c: discriminating between persons.
6: The things referred to in subsection (4) are to—
a: ensure that the allocation mechanism concerned is consistent with the Board's objects; or
b: avoid jeopardising the continuing acceptance by authorities responsible for the quota market concerned of the allocation by authorities in New Zealand of access to that market on the current terms.
7: In exercising a power of decision, a decision maker must not require persons to give information to the Board (or to any other person), except to the extent (if any) that is necessary to enable the allocation mechanism concerned to operate effectively. 1997 No 105 s 34 Section 32(1) amended 6 September 2006 section 5 Meat Board Amendment Act 2006
33: Issue of quota certificates by Board
1: The Board may issue quota certificates to persons who have been allocated quota under an allocation mechanism or who have acquired quota from another quota holder.
2: The Board may issue quota certificates only to persons who are registered as exporters under both—
a: this Part of this Act; and
b: Part 5
34: Board may take action in certain circumstances
1: The Board may take all or any of the actions specified in subsection (2), if—
a: it is satisfied that any person has taken an action that has had, is likely to have had, or is likely to have, the effect of jeopardising the continuing acceptance by authorities responsible for a quota market of the allocation by authorities in New Zealand of access to that market on the current terms; or
b: it is satisfied that any person has taken action intended to enable the person or any other person to obtain in any period access to any quota market—
i: for which no allocation has been made to the person under the relevant mechanism; or
ii: for an amount in excess of an allocation made to the person under the mechanism; or
c: it has strong grounds to believe that a person is intending to take action that would have any of the effects described in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b).
2: The actions are,—
a: by written notice to the person concerned, to suspend, until a day (not later than 1 year after the date of the notice) specified in the notice, the person's ability to export meat products, or meat products of a specified kind, to the market to which the allocation mechanism concerned relates:
b: notwithstanding the elements of that allocation mechanism,—
i: by written notice to the person, to refuse, for a period (of no more than 12 months) from the date of the notice specified in the notice, to issue quota certificates to that person under that mechanism; or
ii: to cancel any quota certificates issued to that person under that mechanism; or
iii: both.
3: The Board must not act under subsection (2) unless—
a: it has first consulted the person concerned, and told the person the reasons for its—
i: being satisfied that the person has taken or is intending to take, an action of a kind specified in subsection (1); and
ii: intending to act; or
b: it is satisfied that there are good reasons for acting without consultation.
4: If the Board has taken action under subsection (2) without first consulting the person concerned and telling the person the reasons referred to in subsection (3)(a), it must, as soon as it practicably can after acting, give the person written notice of—
a: those reasons; and
b: its reasons for acting without consultation; and
c: in the case only of the cancellation of quota certificates, the certificates cancelled.
5: In a case where subsection (1)(c) applies, any action taken by the Board under subsection (2) must be limited to such actions as are reasonably practicable to prevent the actions that the Board believes the person in question is intending to take.
6: Nothing in section 25 1997 No 105 s 36
35: No liability for changes in access arrangements
1: Neither the Crown nor the Board is liable to pay damages to any person for, or for any consequence of,—
a: any reduction (including a reduction to zero) in the quantity of access to any quota market allocated to any person arising out of a reduction in the total quantity of access to that quota market; or
b: any action leading to, involved in, or arising out of—
i: the imposition by authorities responsible for a quota market of any arrangements limiting access to that market (whether new arrangements, or arrangements substituted for existing arrangements); or
ii: the amendment by authorities responsible for a quota market of any such arrangements.
2: Neither the Crown nor the Board is liable to any person for, or for any consequence of, any action, inaction, matter, or thing, by reason only that it is not referred to in subsection (1). 1997 No 105 s 37
36: Fees in relation to quota management systems
1: For the purpose of recovering the costs to the Board of carrying out its functions in relation to quota markets, the Board may set fees, payable by persons applying for or allocated quota
a: are fair and reasonable; and
b: provide the Board with adequate funding to carry out its quota management function for the relevant quota management system, including general administration costs.
2: The Board must publish any fees set under this section, and any changes to the fees, by notice
3: The Board must take all reasonable steps to consult with registered exporters
4: The Board may, by written notice to the person concerned, refuse to issue a quota certificate to any person who has not paid any relevant fee within 30 days of the due date for its payment.
5: Nothing in this section authorises the collection of fees in respect of costs arising from events taking place before the commencement of this Act, unless those costs (if any) could have been recovered under the Meat Board Act 1997
6: In subsection (1), adequate funding
7: A notice under subsection (2) is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication The maker must publish it in the Gazette LA19 ss 73 74(1)(a) cl 14 Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 36(1) amended 6 September 2006 section 6(1) Meat Board Amendment Act 2006 Section 36(2) amended 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Section 36(3) amended 6 September 2006 section 6(2) Meat Board Amendment Act 2006 Section 36(7) replaced 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
37: Transitional provision for existing allocation mechanisms
Unless it is sooner revoked, a mechanism that immediately before the commencement of this Act the former Board had in place in relation to a quota market has effect as if it were an allocation mechanism properly established by the Board under this Act (and notified under section 31
a: any action that could have been taken by the former Board under the Meat Board Act 1997
b: any transfers of quota, allocations, amendments to allocations and reallocations of quota, and any other similar things done under or in relation to such a mechanism, continue as if done under this Act. Quota compliance audits
38: Quota compliance audits
1: From time to time the Minister must cause to be conducted a compliance audit of each quota management system established and operated by the Board.
2: A compliance audit of a quota management system must assess the effectiveness of the system in achieving compliance with the Crown's international treaty obligations relating to the relevant quota market, and any obligations deriving from those treaty obligations, including the performance of the Board in relation to—
a: its functions and powers under section 34
b: its enforcement of section 28
3: The person conducting the audit of a quota management system must conduct it on the basis of the Board's performance at the time the audit takes place, and also have regard to the Board's performance since the time of the last audit of that system (or since the commencement of this Act, in the case of the first audit of the system after that commencement).
39: Timing of audits
1: In respect of each quota management system,—
a: scheduled quota compliance audits must be commenced during each 3-yearly scheduled audit period, unless the Minister otherwise determines; and
b: if the Minister decides not to proceed with a scheduled audit, a further scheduled audit must be commenced during the next 3-yearly scheduled audit period, unless the Minister again otherwise determines.
2: The Minister may require an unscheduled quota compliance audit to be conducted at any time.
3: In considering the need for an audit, the Minister—
a: must consider the cost of an audit to the Board; and
b: may have regard to any other factors the Minister considers relevant; and
c: must consult with the Board in the case of scheduled audits, and in the case of an unscheduled audit may consider the views of the Board; and
d: may consider the views of any other persons the Minister thinks appropriate.
4: The first scheduled audit of each quota management system must be commenced during the period commencing with 1 January 2006 and ending with 30 June 2006.
5: In this section and sections 40 41 scheduled
a: any of the years 2006, 2009, and 2012; and
b: any later year determined by adding a multiple of 3 to the year 2012 3-yearly scheduled audit period unscheduled
40: Terms of reference
1: The Minister determines the terms of reference for a quota compliance audit.
2: In determining the terms of reference—
a: the Minister must consult with the Board in the case of scheduled audits; and
b: in the case of an unscheduled audit, the Minister may consider the views of the Board; and
c: the Minister may in any case consider the views of any other persons the Minister considers appropriate.
41: Appointment of person to conduct audit
1: The Minister appoints the person to conduct a quota compliance audit, after consultation with the Board in the case of a scheduled audit.
2: The person must be the chief executive of the Ministry or a person recognised for the purpose by the chief executive of the Ministry.
42: Powers of auditor
1: The person appointed to conduct a quota compliance audit (the auditor
a: examine the Board's systems, processes, and records:
b: examine the systems, processes, and records of any meat processor or exporter.
2: For the purposes of an audit, the auditor may at any reasonable time (within or outside business hours)—
a: enter any place where—
i: any meat products are held or are likely to be held; or
ii: any documents relating to any meat products are held or are likely to be held:
b: at that place examine production facilities, packing facilities, and processing lines:
c: inspect or take samples of any meat product, or any other input, substance, or thing which has been, is, or may be in contact with or in the vicinity of any meat product, and test or analyse or arrange for the testing or analysis of such samples:
d: examine, inquire about, and copy any documents or other records (including records held in electronic or other form), whether held by the Board or by or on behalf of any meat processor or exporter, relating to obligations and duties under this Act, and for this purpose may—
i: remove documents or records to another place for the purpose of copying them, for so long as is reasonably necessary to allow for their copying; and
ii: require a person who has control of or knowledge of the documents or records to reproduce or assist in reproducing in usable form information recorded or stored in a computer or other device or system.
3: Subsection (2)(d)(ii) does not override the privilege against self-incrimination.
4: An auditor must not under subsection (2) enter any place that is not a place of business without a warrant issued under subsection (5).
4A: The provisions of Part 4 subparts 2 3 sections 118 119 subpart 8
5: An issuing officer (within the meaning of section 3 subpart 3
a: any meat product; or
b: any document relating to any meat product,— may issue a warrant
6: A warrant must be directed to the auditor by name, or to a constable by name or to every constable
7: The provisions of Part 4
8: Despite subsection (7), sections 118 119 Section 42(4A) inserted 1 October 2012 section 282(1) Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Section 42(5) amended 1 October 2012 section 282(2)(a) Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Section 42(5) amended 1 October 2012 section 282(2)(b) Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Section 42(6) amended 1 October 2008 section 116(a)(ii) Policing Act 2008 Section 42(7) replaced 1 October 2012 section 282(3) Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Section 42(8) replaced 1 October 2012 section 282(3) Search and Surveillance Act 2012
43: Conduct of audit
The quota compliance audit must be conducted in accordance with the terms of reference determined by the Minister under section 40
44: Report of auditor
1: The person who conducts a quota compliance audit must—
a: prepare a written report on the conclusions reached and recommendations formulated as a result of conducting the audit; and
b: give a copy of that report to the Minister, the chief executive of the Ministry, the chairman and the chief executive officer of the Board, and the person (if any) to whom the chief executive officer of the Board has delegated responsibility for quota management.
2: The Minister may give directions as to any further distribution of the report or any part of the report, and as to its availability for viewing.
3: The Minister must consult with the Board before giving directions as to the distribution or availability of the report or any part of it to persons other than other Ministers or persons within the public service (as defined in section 10 Section 44(3) amended 7 August 2020 section 135 Public Service Act 2020
45: Confidentiality of report
1: Subject to any direction by the Minister under section 44(2)
a: is not publicly available; and
b: remains confidential to the recipients.
2: Despite subsection (1), any recommendations in the report may be made available to members of the Board and to any employees of the Board who may be required to give effect to the recommendations.
3: Nothing in the Official Information Act 1982
46: Obligations to implement recommendations of report
1: The Board and the chief executive of the Ministry must attempt to agree upon a plan to give effect to those recommendations of a report on a quota compliance audit that the chief executive considers require implementation in such a manner.
2: If agreement cannot be reached on an implementation plan within 30 working days after the report is given to the chief executive officer of the Board under section 44(1)
a: the Minister may provide the Board with an implementation plan; and
b: the Board must implement that plan within a reasonable period of time.
3: If the Board fails, to the satisfaction of the Minister, to implement within a reasonable time a plan agreed or provided under subsection (1) or subsection (2), the Minister may—
a: remove any 1 or more directors from the Board; and
b: by written notice to the Board, remove or suspend the authority of the Board to issue quota certificates in relation to 1 or more quota markets.
4: A director removed from the Board under subsection (3) must be replaced in accordance with clause 2(3) or (4)
5: The Crown is not liable for any loss resulting from a removal or suspension under subsection (3)(b) of the Board's authority to issue quota certificates.
47: Board to pay for quota compliance audits
The Board must pay the person who conducts a quota compliance audit—
a: the fees prescribed or provided for in regulations made under this Act; or
b: in the absence of such regulations, the fees agreed between the Minister (after consultation with the Board) and the person. Registration of exporters
48: Meat exporters to be registered
Except as provided in sections 49 to 51 1997 No 105 s 18
49: Exemptions for cooked and processed products
1: Section 48
a: has by notice
b: has not by notice
2: A notice under subsection (1)(a) or (b) is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 1997 No 105 s 19 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication The maker must publish it in the Gazette LA19 ss 73 74(1)(a) cl 14 Presentation It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 49(1)(a) amended 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Section 49(1)(b) amended 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Section 49(2) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
50: Exemptions for limited consignments
1: Section 48
a: before that time, the Board (or the former Board)
i: has by notice
ii: has not by notice
b: the consignment is no larger than the size specified.
2: A notice under subsection (1)(a)(i) or (ii) is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 1997 No 105 s 20 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication The maker must publish it in the Gazette LA19 ss 73 74(1)(a) cl 14 Presentation It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 50(1)(a)(i) amended 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Section 50(1)(a)(ii) amended 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Section 50(2) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
51: Exemptions for trial and sample shipments
1: For the purpose of enabling trial or sample shipments of meat products, the Board may give any person written exemption from section 48
a: a market or markets to which meat products may be exported; and
b: the kind or kinds of meat product that may be exported to the market (or each of the markets); and
c: in relation to each market specified, the maximum quantity of each kind of meat product specified that may be exported; and
d: the day on which the exemption expires.
2: Section 48 section 21(1) of the Meat Board Act 1997 1997 No 105 s 21
52: Applications and registration
1: Any person may apply in writing to the Board for registration as an exporter, or for renewal of registration as an exporter that has not expired.
2: The Board must register an applicant as an exporter, or renew the applicant's registration, if the application—
a: provides the applicant's name and address (including telephone number and any fax number or electronic mail address); and
b: is accompanied by the appropriate fee (if any), fixed by the Board under section 55 1997 No 105 s 22
53: Registration to be for 3 years
1: Unless earlier renewed, registration of a person under section 52
2: Unless earlier further renewed, a renewed registration expires at the close of 30 September in the year 3 years after the year in which it was last renewed. 1997 No 105 s 23
54: Registration may be revoked on request
The Board must revoke a person's registration as an exporter if the person so requests. 1997 No 105 s 24
55: Fees
1: For the purpose of recovering the costs to the Board of administering the registration of exporters, the Board may set fees, payable by meat exporters who are registered or persons seeking registration as exporters, that—
a: are fair and reasonable; and
b: provide the Board with adequate funding to carry out its registration function.
2: The Board must publish any fees set under this section, and any changes to the fees, by notice
3: The Board must take all reasonable steps to consult with meat exporters on the initial level of the fees if they are proposed to be higher than those charged under the Meat Board Regulations 1998
4: A notice under subsection (2) is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication The maker must publish it in the Gazette LA19 ss 73 74(1)(a) cl 14 Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 55(2) amended 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Section 55(4) replaced 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
56: Transitional provision for existing export licences
Subject to section 54 section 22 of the Meat Board Act 1997 section 52 section 23 of the Meat Board Act 1997 1997 No 105 s 25 Matters not affected
57: Matters not affected
1: Nothing in this Part prevents the Crown from engaging in international trade negotiations for the purpose of establishing, amending, or terminating quota markets.
2: Nothing in this Part derogates from any requirement of Part 5
4: Miscellaneous provisions
Meetings of livestock farmers
58: Meetings of farmers
1: In every financial year, the Board must,—
a: not later than 31 December in that financial year, fix the day (being a day not earlier than 3 months after the day on which it was fixed and not later than 31 March in that financial year) for a meeting of livestock farmers; and
b: on the day fixed, hold such a meeting.
2: The Board—
a: may at any time, in accordance with regulations made under this Act (if any); and
b: where any such regulations require it to do so, must,— call and hold a special meeting of livestock farmers.
3: Except as provided in this Act and in regulations made under it, the procedure for a meeting held under this section is to be determined by the Board. 1997 No 105 s 43
59: Matters for consideration at annual general meeting
1: The Board must ensure that at every annual general meeting each of the following matters are considered:
a: whether to approve the Board's recommendation in respect of the appointment or reappointment of an auditor to audit the Board's financial statements for the current financial year:
b: discussion of the Board's annual financial statement and report:
c: consultation on use of the Board's reserves for any industry-good project:
d: where and when the next annual general meeting should be held:
e: such other matters as may be prescribed by regulations made under this Act.
2: The Board may put before any annual general meeting a resolution to approve maximum annual aggregate remuneration and benefits to be paid to industry-selected directors (for services as a director) during the next financial year.
3: Notwithstanding subsection (2), the Board may put before any annual general meeting a resolution to approve maximum annual aggregate remuneration and benefits (being greater than the maximum annual aggregate last approved under that subsection) to be paid to industry-selected directors (for services as a director) during the current financial year. 1997 No 105 s 44 Enforcement
60: Authorised persons
1: The Board may appoint or authorise suitably qualified and trained persons to exercise the powers conferred by section 61
2: The chief executive of the Ministry may, by notice in writing, give directions to the Board, or to any authorised person, as to the exercise by authorised persons of their powers under this Act, and the Board and any authorised person must take all reasonable steps to ensure those directions are complied with.
61: Powers of inspection
1: An authorised person may exercise all or any of the powers specified in subsection (2) at any reasonable time (within or outside business hours) for the purpose of—
a: ascertaining whether a person has taken or is intending to take an action of a kind described in section 34(1)(a) or (b)
b: obtaining evidence that a person has taken or is intending to take such an action.
2: The powers referred to in subsection (1) are the power to—
a: enter any place where—
i: any meat products are held or are likely to be held; or
ii: any documents relating to any meat products are held or are likely to be held:
b: inspect any meat product there:
c: inspect any document there relating to any meat product:
d: take or make copies of, or extracts from, any document inspected under this subsection.
3: An authorised person must not under subsection (2) enter any place that is not a place of business without a warrant obtained under section 62
4: For the purpose of the power conferred by subsection (2)(d), the person exercising the power may—
a: take possession of and remove any document from the place where it is held, for so long as is reasonably necessary to allow for it to be copied:
b: require any person to reproduce in usable form, or help reproduce in usable form, any information recorded or stored on a document electronically or by any other means.
5: Subsection (4)(b) does not override the privilege against self-incrimination. 1997 No 105 s 71
62: Warrant to inspect place other than place of business
1: An issuing officer (within the meaning of section 3 subpart 3
a: a person has taken or is intending to take an action of a kind described in section 34(1)(a) or (b)
b: there is or is likely to be in some place that is not a place of business any meat product, or any document relating to any meat product,— may issue a warrant
2: An issuing officer (within the meaning of section 3 subpart 3 section 61
3: The provisions of Part 4
4: Despite subsection (3), sections 118 119 1997 No 105 s 72 Section 62(1) amended 1 October 2012 section 283(1)(a) Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Section 62(1) amended 1 October 2012 section 283(1)(b) Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Section 62(2) amended 1 October 2012 section 283(2)(a) Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Section 62(2) amended 1 October 2012 section 283(2)(b) Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Section 62(3) replaced 1 October 2012 section 283(3) Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Section 62(4) replaced 1 October 2012 section 283(3) Search and Surveillance Act 2012
63: Duties of persons executing warrants
Section 63 repealed 1 October 2012 section 283(4) Search and Surveillance Act 2012
64: Other duties of persons carrying out inspections
Section 64 repealed 1 October 2012 section 283(4) Search and Surveillance Act 2012
65: Requirement for certain persons to provide certain information to Board
1: An exporter of meat product must provide to the Board (within a reasonable time specified in the notice requesting it) all information that the Board, by notice in writing, requests from the exporter in respect of any or all of the following matters:
a: the quantities and kind of meat product exported:
b: the estimated value of the meat product exported:
c: the port of discharge, and destination, of the meat product exported.
2: The licensee of licensed premises where livestock are slaughtered and processed must provide to the Board (within a reasonable time specified in the notice requesting it) all information that the Board, by notice in writing, requests from the licensee in respect of any or all of the following matters:
a: the numbers and kind of livestock slaughtered:
b: the quantities of meat product processed, produced, held, or stored:
c: the quantities of meat product produced and intended to be sold for consumption or use in New Zealand.
3: A single notice may request information to be supplied regularly, at specified intervals or in respect of specified periods.
4: A notice may request information—
a: in relation to meat products generally; or
b: in relation to livestock or meat products of kinds specified in the request.
5: Instead of requesting any information under subsection (1), the Board may request it from the person holding office under the Public Service Act 2020 section 268
6: The Board may require information under this section, and use the information obtained, only for the purpose of carrying out its function described in section 8(1)(a)
7: The Board—
a: must not publish or disclose to any person any information obtained under this section that enables the identity of the person to whom it relates to be identified, except—
i: for the purposes of the performance or exercise of any of the Board's functions, powers, or duties under this Act; or
ii: for the purposes of an action brought under or in relation to this Act; or
iii: while giving evidence in any legal proceeding taken under or in relation to this Act; or
iv: with the consent of every identifiable person to whom it relates; and
b: must not use any information obtained under this section in any way for gain or reward.
8: A person to whom any information obtained under this section is published or disclosed (whether or not in accordance with subsection (7) or this subsection)—
a: must not publish or disclose to any person any information obtained under this section that enables the identity of the person to whom it relates to be identified, except—
i: for the purposes of the performance or exercise of any of the Board's functions or powers under this Act; or
ii: for the purposes of an action brought under or in relation to this Act; or
iii: while giving evidence in any legal proceeding taken under or in relation to this Act; or
iv: with the consent of every identifiable person to whom it relates; and
b: must not use any information obtained under this section in any way for gain or reward. 1997 No 105 s 75 Section 65(5) amended 7 August 2020 section 135 Public Service Act 2020 Section 65(5) amended 1 October 2018 section 443(3) Customs and Excise Act 2018
66: Protection of persons acting under authority of Act
No authorised person or person carrying out a quota compliance audit who does any act or omits to do any act in pursuance of any of the functions or powers conferred on that person by or under this Act is under any civil or criminal liability in respect of that act or omission, unless the person has acted, or omitted to act, in bad faith or without reasonable cause. Offences, penalties, and proceedings
67: Export-related offences
1: Every person commits an offence, and is liable on
a: exports any meat product contrary to section 28
b: while the person's ability to export meat products of any kind to a market is suspended under section 34(2)(a)
2: Every person commits an offence, and is liable on Section 67(1) amended 1 July 2013 section 413 Criminal Procedure Act 2011 Section 67(2) amended 1 July 2013 section 413 Criminal Procedure Act 2011
68: Information-related offences
1: Every person commits an offence who—
a: without reasonable excuse, fails or refuses to comply with a request for information under section 65(1)
b: in response to a request under section 65(1)
2: Every person commits an offence, and is liable on section 65(7) section 79(3)
3: Every person commits an offence, and is liable on section 79(9)
4: A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on
a: a fine not exceeding $15,000; and
b: a further fine not exceeding $750 for each day during which the offence continues. Section 68(2) amended 1 July 2013 section 413 Criminal Procedure Act 2011 Section 68(3) amended 1 July 2013 section 413 Criminal Procedure Act 2011 Section 68(4) amended 1 July 2013 section 413 Criminal Procedure Act 2011
69: Obstruction
1: Every person commits an offence who—
a: wilfully prevents, obstructs, or hinders a person exercising or attempting to exercise any of the powers conferred by section 61
b: without reasonable excuse, fails or refuses to make available to a person exercising any of the powers conferred by section 61
i: any document relating to any meat product; or
ii: any meat product.
2: Every person commits an offence who—
a: wilfully prevents, obstructs, or hinders a person conducting a quota compliance audit in the performance of that person's audit function; or
b: fails without reasonable excuse to comply with any reasonable request or requirement of that person.
3: A person who commits an offence against this section is liable on
a: a fine not exceeding $20,000; and
b: a further fine not exceeding $1,000 for each day during which the offence continues. Section 69(3) amended 1 July 2013 section 413 Criminal Procedure Act 2011
70: Customs and Excise Act 2018
1: All the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act 2018 subpart 4
2: The penalty for an offence against section 388(1)(b) section 67(1)
a: in the case of an individual, a fine not exceeding $200,000:
b: in the case of a body corporate, the greater of—
i: a fine not exceeding $200,000; or
ii: either—
A: if it can be readily ascertained and if the court is satisfied that the contravention occurred in the course of producing a commercial gain, a fine not greater than 3 times the value of the commercial gain resulting from the contravention; or
B: if the commercial gain cannot be readily ascertained, 10% of the turnover of the body corporate and all of its interconnected bodies corporate (within the meaning of section 2(7) and (7A) 2001 No 51 s 30 Section 70 heading amended 1 October 2018 section 443(3) Customs and Excise Act 2018 Section 70(1) replaced 1 October 2018 section 443(3) Customs and Excise Act 2018 Section 70(2) amended 1 October 2018 section 443(3) Customs and Excise Act 2018
71: Strict liability
1: In any proceedings for an offence under section 67(1)
2: This section does not limit section 429(4) 2001 No 51 s 32 Section 71(2) amended 1 October 2018 section 443(3) Customs and Excise Act 2018
72: Defence available
1: It is a defence in any proceedings for an offence under section 67(1)
a: the contravention was due to an event or cause beyond the control of the defendant, including natural disaster, mechanical failure, or sabotage; and
b: the defendant took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to avoid the contravention.
2: A defendant is not, without leave of the court, entitled as part of a defence provided by this section to rely on any of the matters specified in subsection (1)(a) unless the defendant has, not later than 7 working days before the date on which the hearing of the proceedings commences, served on the prosecutor 2001 No 51 s 33 Section 72(2) amended 1 July 2013 section 413 Criminal Procedure Act 2011
73: Liability of companies and persons for actions of agents or employees
1: Any act or omission on behalf of a person other than a body corporate by—
a: an agent or employee of that person; or
b: any person at the direction or with the consent or agreement, whether express or implied, of any person referred to in paragraph (a),— is treated, for the purpose of proceedings for an offence against this Act, also as the act or omission of the first-mentioned person.
2: Any act or omission on behalf of a body corporate by—
a: a director, agent, or employee of that body corporate; or
b: any other person at the direction or with the consent or agreement, whether express or implied, of any person referred to in paragraph (a)— is treated, for the purpose of proceedings for an offence against this Act, also as the act or omission of the body corporate.
3: However, if proceedings are brought under section 67(1)
a: in the case of a natural person (including a partner in a firm), that—
i: he or she did not know nor could reasonably be expected to have known, that the offence was to be or was being committed; or
ii: he or she took all reasonable steps to prevent the commission of the offence; and
b: in the case of a body corporate, that—
i: neither the directors nor any person involved in the management of the body corporate knew or could reasonably be expected to have known that the offence was to be or was being committed; or
ii: the body corporate took all reasonable steps to prevent the commission of the offence; and
c: in all cases, that the defendant took all reasonable steps to remedy any effects of the act or omission giving rise to the offence.
4: For the purposes of this section,—
a: a person may act as an agent of another person or body corporate whether or not the first-mentioned person is employed by the other person or body corporate and whether or not he or she is acting for reward:
b: any agent or employee of a person acting as an agent is treated as also acting as an agent for the other person or body corporate referred to in paragraph (a). 2001 No 51 s 34
74: Liability of directors and managers
1: If a body corporate commits an offence under section 67(1)
a: the act or omission that constituted the offence took place with the director's or person's authority, permission, or consent; or
b: the director or person knew or should have known that the offence was to be or was being committed and failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent or stop it.
2: Every person to whom subsection (1) applies is liable on section 67(1)
3: A person may be convicted of the offence even though the body corporate has not been charged with that offence or a similar offence. 2001 No 51 s 35 Section 74(2) amended 1 July 2013 section 413 Criminal Procedure Act 2011
75: Presumption as to authority
A return, record, transaction, form, application, or other information purporting to be completed, kept, or provided by, or on behalf of, any person is, for the purpose of proceedings for an offence against this Act, treated as having been completed, kept, or provided by that person unless the contrary is proved. 2001 No 51 s 36
76: Time for filing charging document
Despite anything to the contrary in section 25 Section 76 replaced 1 July 2013 section 413 Criminal Procedure Act 2011 Supply of information
77: Minister may require information
1: The Board must supply to the Minister any information relating to quota markets that the Minister considers is relevant to the purpose in section 21
2: Subsection (1) applies only to information that is in the Board’s possession or that the Board can obtain without unreasonable difficulty or expense. 2001 No 51 s 41
78: Disclosure of information
1: The chief executive of the Ministry (or any officer of the Ministry authorised in that behalf) and the Comptroller of Customs (or any officer of Customs authorised in that behalf) may, for the purpose of the administration of this Act or the Customs and Excise Act 2018
2: Information obtained under subsection (1) must not be disclosed except—
a: to the persons authorised under that subsection; or
b: for the purpose of any proceedings that have been commenced or that are reasonably in contemplation and that are connected with a matter in relation to which those persons perform their duties.
3: No obligation as to secrecy or other restriction on the disclosure of information imposed by any enactment or otherwise prevents a disclosure under this section. 2001 No 51 s 42 Section 78(1) amended 1 October 2018 section 443(3) Customs and Excise Act 2018
79: Board must disclose certain information to industry-good organisation
1: Subject to this section, the Board must, if the industry-good organisation requests it, supply the organisation with the following kinds of information:
a: information of direct relevance to the monitoring or audit of the organisation’s levy returns or receipts:
b: information of direct relevance to the organisation for trade policy or market access purposes:
c: information of a statistical kind that relates directly to the production and consumption of meat in New Zealand and the export of meat from New Zealand:
d: information on the agricultural, trade, or economic policies, agricultural productions, consumption, and imports or exports of any country other than New Zealand.
2: Subsection (1) applies only to information that is in the Board’s possession.
3: Information of the kind referred to in subsection (1)(a) may be used only for the purpose of monitoring or auditing the industry-good organisation’s levy returns or receipts, and for no other purpose.
4: Information of the kinds referred to in subsection (1)(b) and (c) that is acquired by the Board after the commencement of this Act may be supplied to the industry-good organisation only if—
a: the information would not allow the organisation to separately identify or deduce data specific to a particular company or other trading entity, or a particular group of associated companies or entities; or
b: information specific to a particular company or other trading entity, or a particular group of companies or entities, cannot be separately identified or deduced from the information requested;— except to the extent that the company or entity or group of companies or entities concerned has given its or their prior approval in writing to the supply of the information.
5: Information of the kinds referred to in subsection (1)(b) and (c) that was held by the Board at the commencement of this Act and that the Board has supplied to the industry-good organisation may be supplied by the industry-good organisation to any other person only in the manner and circumstances described in subsection (4)(a) and (b), except to the extent that the company or entity or group of companies or entities concerned has given its or their prior approval in writing to the supply of the information.
6: The information referred to in subsection (1) includes information of the relevant kind that is—
a: held by the Board at the commencement of this Act; or
b: subsequently acquired by the Board.
7: In respect of information supplied to the industry-good organisation that was acquired by the Board after the commencement of this Act, the Board may charge the industry-good organisation an appropriate amount for the purpose of recovering part of the costs of the Board’s acquisition of the information. The amount charged is recoverable by the Board as a debt.
8: This section ceases to apply to require the Board to supply information to the industry-good organisation if the Minister is satisfied, and certifies accordingly, that—
a: the industry-good organisation is no longer owned by a trust the beneficiaries of which consist of all livestock farmers (except any reasonably excluded for reasons of administrative cost); or
b: the majority of the industry-good organisation’s directors are no longer elected by livestock farmers broadly in proportion to their share of the industry; or
c: the industry-good organisation has been unable to collect levies, neither in relation to sheepmeat nor to beef, under the Commodity Levies Act 1990
9: Where the Minister gives a certificate under subsection (8), the industry-good organisation must either return to the Board or destroy information of a kind referred to in subsection (5) that would allow a person to separately identify or deduce data specific to a particular company or other trading entity, or a particular group of associated companies or entities. No Crown liability
80: No Crown liability for Board’s debts
The Crown is not liable to any person for any amounts owing by the Board. Regulations and notices
81: Regulations
1: The Governor-General may by Order in Council make regulations for all or any of the following purposes:
a: prescribing matters of the kind referred to in section 13(5)
b: prescribing the manner and circumstances in which meetings held under section 58
c: prescribing procedures (not inconsistent with this Act) for meetings held under section 58
i: who is eligible to vote; and
ii: who may cast a vote as representative of an eligible body corporate, trust, partnership, or body of persons; and
iii: who (if anybody) may cast a vote as a proxy for an eligible livestock farmer, and the circumstances (if any) in which a proxy vote may be cast; and
iv: any weighting to be given to votes cast (or any means by which such a weighting may be calculated or ascertained):
d: prescribing fees payable in respect of quota compliance audits, or a means of establishing or determining fees for quota compliance audits:
e: providing for such matters as are contemplated by or necessary for giving full effect to the provisions of this Act and for its due administration.
2: Regulations under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 1997 No 105 s 77 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 81(2) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021
82: Notices
1: The Board may give any person a notice under this Act by causing it to be—
a: delivered to the person; or
b: addressed to the person and left at the person’s home or business; or
c: transmitted to the person at the person’s home or business by fax; or
d: transmitted to the person at the person’s home or business by or through any other device or system of devices from or through which the person might reasonably be expected to receive it; or
e: posted in a letter addressed to the person at the person’s home or business.
2: For the purposes of subsection (1), a person’s home or business—
a: is the person’s usual or last known place of abode or business; but
b: includes any place whose address is specified by the person (for the purpose of communications) in any application, notice, or other document received from the person by the Board.
3: If any such notice is posted to any person by registered letter, it is deemed to have been given to the person when it would have been delivered in the ordinary course of post; and in proving the delivery it is sufficient to prove that the letter was properly addressed and posted. 1997 No 105 s 78 Transitional provisions
83: Existing directors
1: Every person who, immediately before the commencement of this Act, was a director of the former Board ceases to be a director of the Board on the commencement of this Act.
2: No compensation is payable for termination under subsection (1) of the appointment of a person as a director.
84: Transfer of assets and liabilities of Board
1: Subject to sections 12 79
2: In particular, despite any limitation in section 79(3) and (4)
a: rolls of livestock farmers compiled by the former Board for the purpose of elections of directors of the former Board; and
b: any similar rolls compiled or held for the purposes of a referendum of livestock farmers; and
c: any data compiled as a result of an election or referendum held using those rolls.
3: The Board may not, during the 3-month period referred to in subsection (6), transfer to the industry-good organisation any liabilities relating to its quota management function.
4: Where the Board transfers to the industry-good organisation a benefit or liability under any contract, agreement, conveyance, deed, lease, licence, or other instrument or undertaking, then, to the extent appropriate to the thing transferred,—
a: the organisation, instead of the Board, is to be treated as the person by whom the contract, agreement, conveyance, deed, lease, instrument, or undertaking was entered into or made or given; and
b: to the extent that the relevant contract, agreement, conveyance, deed, lease, instrument, or undertaking was previously binding on and enforceable by, against, or in favour of the Board, it becomes binding on and enforceable by, against, or in favour of the organisation.
5: Nothing effected or authorised by a transfer under this section—
a: must be regarded as placing the Board (or former Board) or the industry-good organisation, or any other person, in breach of contract or confidence or as otherwise making any of them liable of a civil wrong; or
b: must be regarded as giving rise to a right for any person to terminate or cancel a contract or arrangement, or to accelerate the performance of any obligation; or
c: must be regarded as placing the Board (or former Board) or the industry-good organisation, or any other person, in breach of an enactment, rule of law, or contractual provision prohibiting, restricting, or regulating the assignment or transfer of property or the disclosure of information; or
d: releases a surety wholly or in part from any obligation; or
e: invalidates or discharges any contract.
6: Any transfer under this section must be made not later than 3 months after the date of commencement of this Act. Tax provisions relating to restructuring
85: Tax provisions relating to Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited
1: The transfer of assets and liabilities from the Board to Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited pursuant to section 84
a: is not a dutiable gift for the purposes of the Estate and Gift Duties Act 1968
b: is not a sale, disposal, disposition, distribution, or transfer of any asset or any liability for the purposes of the Income Tax Act 1994
c: is not a supply of goods or services for the purposes of the Goods and Services Tax Act 1985
2: For the purposes of the Income Tax Act 1994 Goods and Services Tax Act 1985
a: for the purposes of applying the depreciation provisions in subpart EG of the Income Tax Act 1994
b: when determining the date on which Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited is treated as acquiring any asset or liability; and
c: when determining the cost or any amount of consideration provided or received in respect of any asset or liability of Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited; and
d: when determining the unexpired portion of any amount of accrual expenditure of the former Board attributable to Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited; and
e: for the purpose of applying any matching, spreading, or amortisation regime in the Income Tax Act 1994 Goods and Services Tax Act 1985
f: to the extent not specifically contemplated by paragraphs (a) to (e), for the purpose of determining the treatment of any asset or liability transferred from the Board to Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited under the Income Tax Act 1994 Goods and Services Tax Act 1985
3: For the purposes of the Income Tax Act 1994
a: having held all the shares issued to it by Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited on or before the date of commencement of this Act, at all times prior to that date; and
b: subject to section OD 5(5) of the Income Tax Act 1994
4: The issue, before the date of commencement of this Act, by Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited of shares in that company to the trust formed to hold shares in Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited, the beneficiaries of which consist of all livestock farmers (except for any reasonably excluded for reasons of administrative cost),—
a: is not a dutiable gift for the purposes of the Estate and Gift Duties Act 1968
b: is not a dividend for the purposes of the Income Tax Act 1994
c: is not otherwise gross income of the trust for the purposes of the Income Tax Act 1994
5: On and at all times before the date of commencement of this Act, Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited is treated as having existed as a member of—
a: the same wholly-owned group of companies that includes the former Board and any of its subsidiary companies, for the purposes of subpart IG of the Income Tax Act 1994
b: the same group of companies that includes the former Board and any of its subsidiary companies, for the purposes of section IG 6(6)(b) of that Act
86: Available subscribed capital
1: In the application of the definition of available subscribed capital in section OB 1 of the Income Tax Act 1994
a: Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited is treated as having received an amount of $98,108,000 in consideration for the shares on issue on the date of commencement of this Act; and
b: the available subscribed capital that arises under paragraph (a) is treated as allocated, as available subscribed capital of and between the classes of shares of Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited on issue on the date of commencement of this Act, to the shares issued to the trust formed to hold shares in Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited, the beneficiaries of which consist of all livestock farmers (except for any reasonably excluded for reasons of administrative cost), in such proportions as Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited nominates by notice to the Commissioner of Inland Revenue within 30 days after the date of commencement of this Act; and
c: if the amount of an allocation of available subscribed capital referred to in paragraph (b) is not valid or an election is not received within the specified time period, the amount is to be treated as available subscribed capital in respect of the classes of shares referred to in paragraph (a) issued on or before the date of commencement of this Act to the trust in the same proportions as the number of shares issued in each class bears to the total number of shares of all classes issued to the trust.
2: For the purposes of the Income Tax Act 1994
87: Consolidation
For the purposes of the Estate and Gift Duties Act 1968 Income Tax Act 1994
a: the Board, any subsidiary companies of the Board included in the same wholly-owned group of companies as the Board, and Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited are treated as members of the same consolidated group (within the meaning of the consolidation rules as defined in section OZ 1(1) of the Income Tax Act 1994
b: if section 13(4)(a) or (b)
c: at any time, any of the Board, any subsidiary company of the Board, and Meat and Wool New Zealand Limited may elect to cease membership of the consolidated group.
88: Goods and services tax
For the purposes of the Goods and Services Tax Act 1985
89: Definitions
In sections 85 to 88
a: the terms accrual expenditure available subscribed capital consolidated group consolidation rules dividend gross income group of companies market value interest shares voting interest wholly-owned group Income Tax Act 1994
b: in addition to their ordinary meanings, disposal disposition section OB 1 of the Income Tax Act 1994
c: the terms goods money services supply Goods and Services Tax Act 1985
d: the term consideration Income Tax Act 1994 Goods and Services Tax Act 1985
e: the term dutiable gift Estate and Gift Duties Act 1968 Repeal and revocation
90: Meat Board Act 1997 repealed
1: The Meat Board Act 1997
2: The Meat Board Regulations 1998 (SR 1998/323)