23 October 2003
Wine Bill passed
Parliament passed the Wine Bill by a significant majority last night, approving a new approach to regulation in the wine
industry, the New Zealand Food Safety Authority said today.
The Wine Act 2003 will come into force on 1 January 2004. It replaces the existing regulatory regime for wine currently
administered under the Wine Makers Levy Act 1976 and the Wine Makers Act 1981.
Since the mid-1990s, New Zealand winegrowers have sought the development and introduction of new, industry-specific
legislation capable of addressing the issues that face their rapidly developing industry. The wine industry and
Government officials have negotiated their way to the new Act which provides for the regulation of domestic production
and exports as well as allowing flexibility for the industry to develop and innovate.
NZFSA’s Wine Programme Manager, John Barker, says the new legislation will provide a single integrated compliance system
covering all aspects of wine production.
"The Act covers several areas. It allows for designing and setting wine standards for the production and identity of
wine; managing food safety issues; facilitating export assurances; and protecting the reputation of New Zealand's
wines,” he said.
" It also promotes consultation with industry organisations ensuring this industry can continue to grow and expand.”
After several years of negotiations, we are happy to have a brand new piece of legislation where industry and the NZFSA
will work together to build an appropriate regulatory framework that adds value to the wine industry", Mr Barker said.
Ends