Feather duvets and wooden chopping board

[ruthyroo]

Okay so our stuff has arrived in NZ and awaiting clearance... What's the story with feather duvets (animal product) and wooden chopping boards (plant product)? Will MAF open up all our baggage to find these if I declare them?? Or should I just 'forget' about them on the declaration? Should really have checked this out before packing but it was all getting a bit too much at that point - now I wish I'd paid a bit more attention...does anyone else find this bit horribly complicated and difficult to get simple advice on?!

[justin.g.s]

IF I am correct, they are really focused on untreated items. Feathers in pillows are sterilized and the wood on your chopping block has probably been similarly stained sealed ect.. you should be fine.

What they are looking for is say feathers from a peacock that someone found and brought it over untreated, which may harbour lice, or what ever.

[Raeven]

Hi, ruthyroo,

I concur with what justin says.. MAF replied to my many specific requests about what we can bring in, and basically, they are worried about viable seeds, insects and other things that can affect their food supply or environment. I asked about wooden items and they said don't worry about them, just check them over for any insect infestations. I'm sure your chopping block is fine! Feathers in pillows are of no concern whatsoever.

There seems to be a lot of misinformation out there on this particular aspect of immigration. I found MAF to be extremely helpful and responsive. For anyone else wanting to contact them about specific items, you can write to them at: enquiry@maf.govt.nz

All the best, Rae