Fiji: Miracle water poses biosecurity risk

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New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries is asking travelers from Fiji to stop bringing “miracle water” into the country if they want to avoid a stiff fine or treatment costs.

The ministry’s Manager North Passenger and Mail, Craig Hughes, says the concern is whether the water contains waterborne diseases that could harm New Zealand’s freshwater aquaculture and natural environment.

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Hughes says locals may call it miracle water, but it is untreated and, so poses a biosecurity risk to New Zealand.

MPI border staff have seized miracle water from nearly 500 air passengers arriving from Fiji since November.

He says all arriving passengers are required to declare the water at the border. Passengers face a four hundred dollar fine for non-declaration.

As part of their campaign the Ministry has put notices at Nadi and Nausori International Airports.

– FBC

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