Interview with Barry O'Neil

Interview with Barry O'Neil, born in Feilding in 1956. Talks about growing up on farms near Feilding and Te Puke, and studying veterinary science at Massey University, graduating in 1978. Mentions working in a veterinary practice in the Bay of Plenty, then travelling through Asia, and working in the United Kingdom for two years, becoming interested in exotic diseases. Comments on working in a practice in Tauranga when he returned until he joined the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) in 1984.

Describes his job as MAF veterinarian at the port of Tauranga, inspecting animals before they were loaded onto ships, and having responsibility for disease control. Mentions trips to the United States to accompany horses coming to New Zealand. Refers to going to work in Wellington in 1989, and being appointed as New Zealand Veterinary Counsellor in Brussels in 1991. Talks about this role, his responsibility for Africa and the Middle East as well as the European Union (EU), and the impact of EU directives on New Zealand trade. Recalls his involvement in GATT (General Agreement on Tarrifs and Trade) negotiations and the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement under the World Trade Organisation. Comments on his involvement with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE, International Office of Epizootics), its role in setting international standards for trade in animals and animal products, and New Zealand dependence on trade agreements made through OIE. Talks about returning to New Zealand and being chief veterinary officer in MAF 1994-1999. Comments on concerns with BSE [bovine spongioform encephalopathy], rabbbit calicivirus and fruit fly infestations during this period and how they have affected the way biosecurity is managed. Recalls the introduction of infringement notices and instant fines. Backgrounds the making of the television series Border Patrol. Comments on the introduction of x-ray machines and detector dogs at the border. Refers to working with Customs when non-biosecurity risks are found with x-rays.

Discusses the Biosecurity Act 1993 and how it is working. Refers to the appointment of a Minister of Biosecurity in 1999, the establishment of the Biosecurity Council, and the lack of investment in raising public awareness at the time. Comments on the division of MAF's regulatory authority into two groups, biosecurity and food regulatory, in 1999, and being appointed Group Director of the Biosecurity Authority. Comments on the establishment of Biosecurity New Zealand in 2005 and its roles and accountability with regard to pest management being clarified. Explains the thinking behind the merger of MAF Quarantine Service and Biosecurity New Zealand in 2007 to form MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, and becoming deputy director. Mentions the relationship between Biosecurity New Zealand and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, and the assistance provided to Pacific nations for biosecurity and border control. Reflects on why Customs and Biosecurity services should not be merged in New Zealand.

Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-001105

Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 2 Electronic document(s) - abstract, form. 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2.20 Hours and minutes Duration.

Physical Description: Sound files - wave files; Textual files - Microsoft word

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001104, OHA-7311.

Search dates: 1956 - 2008

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.

Alternative form available: Both printed and digital versions of the abstract are available