iSAYSO
Failure of Accountability – MPI Seizure, Inventory, and Property Status
To: The Treasury – Ministerial Advisory Service
Cc: Ministry for Primary Industries CEO Ray,
Date:21 April 26
Subject: Request for Assistance – Failure of Accountability – MPI Seizure, Inventory, and Property Status
This correspondence seeks Treasury’s assistance in resolving a matter that now raises significant concerns regarding administrative lawfulness and system accountability.
The Ministry for Primary Industries has:
– Seized goods;
– Failed to provide any inventory or chain of custody;
– Asserted that the goods were “toxic” without disclosing supporting scientific material;
– Failed to confirm whether the goods remain held or have been destroyed;
– Failed to respond substantively to repeated requests over an extended period.
This situation now presents a clear risk of:
– Unlawful deprivation of property;
– Absence of evidential foundation for enforcement action;
– Failure of procedural fairness;
– Escalation into formal complaint and court proceedings.
Treasury has previously indicated that the subject matter is more closely connected with MPI’s functions. In that context, this request is not directed to Treasury as decision-maker, but as a central agency with visibility of system risk and administrative integrity.
Accordingly, assistance is requested to:
1. Facilitate engagement with MPI to obtain:
– A full inventory of seized goods;
– Confirmation of the current status of those goods;
– Disclosure of any destruction records (if applicable);
2. Clarify whether Treasury holds any information relevant to:
– Advice provided regarding enforcement or risk classification;
– System-level considerations relating to such actions;
3. Ensure that appropriate steps are taken to resolve the present lack of accountability without the need for formal escalation.
The objective is to resolve this matter efficiently and transparently. However, in the absence of progress, the issues identified will require escalation to the Ombudsman and further legal action.
Your assistance in addressing this matter at a system level is requested.
This correspondence is issued without prejudice to all rights
Simon Stott