22 March 2004
Integrity Must Be Upheld
Dairy Farmers of New Zealand (DFNZ) is pleased that regulators have acted to uphold the integrity of New Zealand's food
export system after allegations of fraud linked to a $50 million milk powder export scandal.
"New Zealand is a trading nation that has forged a reputation as an honest and reliable place to do business. It is
imperative that New Zealand maintains that reputation," said Kevin Wooding, Chairman of DFNZ, an industry group of
Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc).
Today's Dominion Post reports that seven people have been charged with fraud over the so-called 'Powdergate' scandal
after an 18-month SFO investigation.
An initial probe was carried out by the predecessor of the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA), which aims to
enhance New Zealand's reputation as a trusted supplier of food. The investigation was later passed to the Serious Fraud
Office (SFO).
"Though farmers would have preferred the events dubbed 'Powdergate' had never happened, we are pleased the NZFSA and SFO
have taken steps to bring this incident to a conclusion."
Ends