[stephenandjulie]

Hi,
Although still in the early stages, we have to start thinking about how these things are done. My question is that I was wondering if there is a comprehensive list available on what we can and cannot take with us to New Zealand and where we get that list from?
thanks
julie

[wiki]

This is the advisory page on the MAF website (Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries)

http://www.maf.govt.nz/quarantine/personal-effects/index.htm

but the main bit is:

Goods that the Quarantine Service has an interest in include:

Wooden items
Gardening Equipment
Lawn Mowers and Catchers
Foodstuffs
Medicines
Cane furniture
Bicycles
Golf clubs and buggies
Sporting shoes and equipment
Vacuum cleaners with un-emptied dust bags
Ornaments and curios containing skin or feathers
Christmas decorations
Dried flowers and seeds
Equipment/medicines used with horses or other animals
Used Vehicles


Please note these items are NOT necessarily prohibited, they require inspection. In many instances a declaration as to the state of manufacture may lift this requirement. Our inspections are generally to determine cleanliness and the presence or otherwise of insects or prohibited items

NZ is very protective of its native flora and fauna so anything that could harbour un-native bugs or seeds will be checked very closely and often sent for pressure cleaning, or destroyed.

Christmas decs are ok if they are glass or plastic and don't have pine needles stuck to them (no pine cones). Vehicles, vacuum cleaners, boots and camping/golf gear have to be vigourously cleaned.

You'll need to leave all food at home (not sure about sealed spices and teabags, but I wouldn't risk it myself)

I'd say ask on here if you have any specific doubts - I did re a ceremonial sword and a couple of old fur coats and i got good answers.

[stephenandjulie]

Hi Wiki
Thanks for the info....talking of fur coats, can you take these in as I have an old one in my cupboard.
Julie

[wiki]

I'm going to take the two I inherited (one my Gran's, and one a great-aunts) but put them in a special MAF box - ie one I set aside for things that MAF are likely to look at.

It's also going to contain a couple of wooden jewellery boxes which aren't varnished, my well-scrubbed tramping boots, my kick-ass sword, and any chinese tea we haven't managed to open before then (bro-in-law works in China)

I gather that if all the "suspect" stuff is in just one box the inspections are quicker and much cheaper :nice1

[willowshouse]

Food is fine to bring in - I brought it in and declared it to MAF, they didn't even want to see it although they did look at other stuff ... Lots of others fill their empty space with walkers crisps!

For some reason I think rice is not allowed. Everything I brought was sealed - jars, tins, unopened packets and on the MAF form I specified it was all sealed - I'm sure they would be unimpressed with open packets as it could possibly harbour pests and I wouldn't bring vacuum packed meat products. Obviously you also wouldn't bring in anything that couldn't stand exposure to heat - like chocolate (shame).

We found it very enjoyable to open all the food boxes - it was the best bit of the unpacking!

Dawn

[Myrkk]

Wiki - what was the answer re. the swords and were they blanks or live blades? We have two ceremonial swords with live blades which were used in our wedding which we would be loathe to leave behind.

[wiki]

I haven't got a definitive on it yet, because my sword is historical (200-year-old cavalry) so the big problem might be removing it from the UK. I need to get a small permit for it, and then MAF should be fine.

If it's a ceremonial sword and you declare it, it should be ok - lots of people in NZ have decorative samuri swords, so it can't be too uncommon to want to bring blades in... as long as it's not in your hand luggage!

[jess]

My OH had ceremonial swords with live blades in a box marked "Decorative Items" that was one of four boxes checked by MAF. Although I had made a point to declare everything I had forgotten he had those when I filled out customs forms in NZ. When the MAF inspector came across the swords, he called customs and asked if it was ok for us to have them since knives are prohibited. He described them to customs and they said it was fine. And that was that. The MAF guy did seem to think we were lucky to have gotten someone at customs who wasn't worried about it though.

As long as you declare it openly on the customs documents in NZ, the worst possibility is that they take it away from you. (Of course, that's a pretty big issue with wiki's 200 year old sword.)

[jess]

Just looked at customs, and it says the following is prohibited:"Knives having a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife - sometimes known as "flick knife" or "flick gun".

Any knife having a blade that is released from the handle or sheath by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force, and when released is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever, or other device - sometimes known as a "gravity knife" or "butterfly knife".

With the exception of any folding pocket knives with a blade less than 10cm in length, any knife that-

(a) Is designated for ease of concealment on the person; or

(b) Has a double-edged blade that is designed or suitable for stabbing or throwing (as opposed to cutting)

(c) Is a knife of the kinds known as "urban Skinner", "terminator", "black eagle", "black dagger", or "throwing knife".

Bayonets

Knuckle dusters, knives incorporating knuckle dusters, sword sticks, and any weapon disguised to give the appearance of another article"
I guess swords would fall under "Has a double-edged blade that is designed or suitable for stabbing."?

The full Customs page of their prohibited items is here (http://www.customs.govt.nz/importers/Prohibited+Imports/default.htm).

[wiki]

Thanks Jess :)

That's quite similar to the NZ Police instructions. I've emailed them to see if I need a permit to bring the sword in. And I also got round to emailing the antique export watchdog thingee to see if they'd let me take it out.

Hopefully if I've got the cops saying "yes, bring it in" and the government saying "yes, take it out" I can.

Otherwise I'll sell it and pay for the flights :wah

[marcia]

Obviously you also wouldn't bring in anything that couldn't stand exposure to heat - like chocolate (shame).



I've put in loads of chocolate, sorry but its got to taste better than the stuff here - melted and rehardened or not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D - Will let you know how it arrived when we get it!!!