It has taken some time but common sense has prevailed. MPI need a kick up the butt through that was just sheer arrogance.

JaseNZ:

 

It has taken some time but common sense has prevailed. MPI need a kick up the butt through that was just sheer arrogance.

 

I still feel we haven't heard (and won't hear) both sides of the story.  I suspect MPI simply thought: "too hard, too much effort" to carry on the fight, and it was easier just to give the woman a refund.  I appreciate their not wasting tax-payer's money on carrying on with this poppycock.

Considering all the things that are getting into NZ as it is, including all these insect and things that are causing damage to the primary sector, I think the whole system needs a total overhaul.  

mattwnz:

 

Considering all the things that are getting into NZ as it is, including all these insect and things that are causing damage to the primary sector, I think the whole system needs a total overhaul.  

 

I still think every bag should be screened regardless of whether you've declared anything. You only have to watch the various customs / airport shows on TV to realise the dodgy goods are always caught on the people who have nothing to declare.

I would have had probably close to 20 trips out of NZ across 2018 / 2019 and I've had my bags put through the xray once.

sbiddle:

 

I would have had probably close to 20 trips out of NZ across 2018 / 2019 and I've had my bags put through the xray once.

 

By now they know not to mess with you.

Unfortunately I am the opposite , I have lost count of the times I have been in and out of nz (home) and not once (honestly) have I not had to go through a bag search. This was between the age of 18 and 40 and I am 50 now. Why I don't know and believe me I have asked. Been at least 10 years now since I have been out of the country though.

The wife and I are heading over to Europe next year for two months and not looking forward to the drama coming back.

SaltyNZ:

 

sbiddle:

 

I would have had probably close to 20 trips out of NZ across 2018 / 2019 and I've had my bags put through the xray once.

 

 

 

 

By now they know not to mess with you.

 

Lol

The irony it was one of the times I didn't declare anything and had carry on only. I always have food to declare coming back from the US, and quite often bring things back from Australia as well.

When they used to put all bags through the xray a few years ago I never felt it particularly slowed the process down. When so many people who get caught are often those who forgot about food in their bag I just don't see why we moved away from it.

I can't see the day ever coming where they'll ask you if you're carrying any weapons or dangerous items and then based on your answer decide whether you security screening or not!

Looks like another traveller has been issued an infringement by MPI, this time for not verbally declaring dried fish.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/travel-troubles/117641874/auckland-man-declared-food-at-auckland-airport-but-got-slapped-with-a-fine

But in the same article it references back to the original traveller who was the subject of this thread. But this is what MPI has been quoted as saying why they "waived" the fine to the traveller with the honey.  They said Kariyawasam's fine was waived because medical issues faced by a family member while Kariyawasam was going through Customs prevented her from making an accurate verbal declaration.

JaseNZ:

Unfortunately I am the opposite , I have lost count of the times I have been in and out of nz (home) and not once (honestly) have I not had to go through a bag search. This was between the age of 18 and 40 and I am 50 now. Why I don't know and believe me I have asked. Been at least 10 years now since I have been out of the country though.

The wife and I are heading over to Europe next year for two months and not looking forward to the drama coming back.