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Ministry of Primary Industries v Panek Old [2020] NZDC 17251

Published 08 October 2021

Sentencing — selling unauthorised goods — possession of unauthorised goods — importing non-compliant seeds — import permit — Biosecurity Act 1993. The defendant appeared for sentence on two charges of possession of unauthorised goods and one of selling unauthorised goods. She had imported seeds into the country in a way that did not comply with biosecurity requirements. Some of the seeds were banned from the country, some had been imported in breach of quarantine requirements and some had breached the labelling requirements. The defendant had also sold some seeds that she had imported despite lacking the required import permit. The Court observed that this type of offending places New Zealand's farming and horticulture industry at risk. The start point for fine was $8000, because the defendant was of limited means. With discounts for guilty plea and previous good character, the final fine was $4000 plus court costs of $130. Judgment Date: 25 August 2020