"The incursion of Black Widow spiders is the latest in a string of biosecurity breaches which the Government is continuing to ignore," National Biosecurity spokesperson David Carter said today.

The spiders were found in Wellington and Christchurch in grapes imported from California.

"So far this year we have had four snakes, numerous scorpions, the Varroa Bee Mite and now two Black Widow spiders.

"And what is the Government's response? Absolutely nothing.

"Marian Hobbs hasn't said a word about the spiders because she doesn't have any answers. It is time Helen Clark acknowledged that failure and showed Ms Hobbs the door.

"It is imperative that Biosecurity is taken seriously because New Zealand is so vulnerable. This year's breaches are testament to that fact.

"Without urgent action from the Government the New Zealand economy could be put at grave risk," said David Carter.

Ends

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