Pursuant to sections 52(d) and 53(2) of the Biosecurity
Act 1993, and subject to the conditions set out below,
I permit bona fide researchers and central and local government staff in the course of their employment, and
any persons acting under their direction, to communicate,
or breed/multiply/propagate, and/or exhibit Abutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf) for pest management, bona fide research and/or educational purposes.
The permission given by this notice is given for the purposes of sections 52 and 53 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 only, and does not constitute an exemption from the requirements of any other relevant legislation (including Regulations).
It is the individual’s responsibility to be familiar with and comply with any other applicable legislation.
Such legislation may include but is not limited to
the Conservation Act 1978, or National/Regional Pest Management Plans.
PERMISSION CONDITIONS
1. Abutilon theophrasti shall only be:
(a) communicated;
(b) bred/multiplied/propagated;
(c) exhibited; and
(d) held
in a manner appropriate to the organism’s reproductive abilities, which prevents any part of the organisms from being lost, mislaid, or released back into the environment in a manner that allows it to grow or multiply.
Communication/Transport
2. Transportation of Abutilon theophrasti is permitted from and between the area(s) of collection to the research and/or exhibition site(s) and/or to disposal sites. A route that is as direct as reasonably possible between these sites is to be taken.
3. During transportation, Abutilon theophrasti plant material must be held within secure containers to prevent escape of the organisms and supervised at all times. Transporting containers must be clearly labelled with:
(a) details of the contents;
(b) details of the unwanted organism(s) status;
(c) instructions that the unwanted organism(s) are not to be released under any circumstances; and
(d) details of who the person responsible is, and how they can be contacted.
Exhibition
4. During exhibition, Abutilon theophrasti plant material must be held within secure containers and be clearly labelled with:
(a) the organism’s name;
(b) details of the unwanted organism status;
(c) details on the risks posed by the unwanted organism; and
(d) method used for devitalisation of any seed on display.
5. Abutilon theophrasti seed must be devitalised prior to exhibition and remain in sealed packaging for the duration of the exhibition.
Research
6. For research contained in PC1 facilities, plants may be grown from seed provided that on completion of the research and prior to release:
(a) all equipment, containers and other items must be cleaned to prevent the release of viable seed or
plant material;
(b) seed and other plant material must be rendered
non-viable; and
(c) growing medium must be autoclaved or treated by other means to render plant material non-viable.
7. For research outside PC1 containment:
(a) viable seed is not permitted to be sown or otherwise released; and
(b) upon the opening of the first flower, plants must be removed or treated in such a manner that seed development does not occur.
General
8. Any equipment used in the activity that has come into contact with the Abutilon theophrasti shall be treated after its use to prevent the spread of viable plant material.
9. At the end of the activity, all Abutilon theophrasti plant material used shall be rendered non-viable or destroyed by heat, desiccation or other effective means.
10. Should accidental release of Abutilon theophrasti occur, the person in charge of the activity must notify the Chief Technical Officer - Ministry for Primary Industries
as soon as practicable and appropriate action taken immediately to retrieve, contain or control the unwanted organism.
11. Prior to using this permission, notification in writing must be made to the Chief Technical Officer - Ministry for Primary Industries with details relevant to the
activity including the purpose, location, duration and confirmation that all conditions in this permission can
be met.
12. Any person in charge of an activity in accordance with this permission must provide a copy of this permission
to any persons also involved in the activity, and ensure they understand the requirements. Compliance with
the permission conditions is the responsibility of
each person undertaking the activity of the unwanted organism(s).
13. This permission is valid from the date of signing until
31 December 2022 unless earlier revoked or amended.
14. The Chief Technical Officer - Ministry for Primary Industries may revoke this permission by notice in writing at his/her sole discretion at any time.
Signed at Wellington this 14th day of December 2012.
VERONICA HERRERA, Chief Technical Officer - Ministry for Primary Industries.