On Monday, February 3, 2003, at 07:40  PM, Bob Harrison wrote:

>
> New Zealand has not yet found the SHB but the SHB could be in New
> Zealand
> but as yet undetected.
>
Hi All

In Nov 2000 we arrived in Christchurch New Zealand from Australia.  We
had with us several(3) small sample bottles of Tasmanian
honey(leatherwood etc) to bring home to try.  Several signs and
disposal barrels, warning that agriculural products must be disposed of
or declared, were available between the  gate and customs.  We declared
the honey to the customs official who referred us to another who
offered to keep the honey at the airport until our departure, or
destroy it.  He explained that NZ doesn't have EFB and it could be
imported into the country if one of our bottles spilled.  I was
impressed with this official's knowledge of honeybees and beekeeping.
Of all the countries we have entered ( US, UK, Ireland, Netherlands,
Canada, etc) NZ seems to have the the most impressive agricultural
security.  This doesn't mean that things cannot go wrong (varroa on
north island in 2000), but they appear to have their heads screwed on
right.

Bob Darrell
Caledon Ontario
Canada
80W44N
still cold(-10 & sunny)