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Proposed amendment to section 21 of the Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act 2006

Consultation document

For detailed information about the proposal, including a list of feedback questions download:

Background

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are seeking views on a proposal to amend section 21 of the Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act 2006 (the Act). The amendment would specify that New Zealand registered geographical indications may only be used to identify wine if the wine is made solely from grapes harvested in New Zealand.

A geographical indication is a name – usually a regional name – that is used to identify the origin of goods where some quality, reputation or other characteristic of the goods are related in some essential way to their geographical region. In the case of New Zealand wine, there could potentially be a number of geographical indications registered, such as ‘Marlborough’, ‘Nelson’, or ‘Hawkes Bay’.

Subject to submissions received as part of this consultation, the Government intends to include the proposal in an amendment Bill that has other amendments required to implement the Act. The amendment Bill is being prepared for introduction later this year. Subject to Parliamentary processes, the intention is to implement the Act in 2016.

How to make a submission

MBIE and MPI welcome written submissions on the proposal contained in the consultation document. All submissions must be received by MPI no later than 27 July 2015.

Written submissions should be sent directly by post or email to:

Jason Frick
Policy Analyst, Forestry and Plant Sector Team
Policy and Trade Branch
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526, Wellington 6140

Email: Jason.Frick@mpi.govt.nz

We will consider all relevant material made in submissions, so you are welcome to provide information supporting your comments.

Your submission should include:

  • the title of this consultation document
  • your name and title
  • your organisation’s name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation), and whether your submission represents the whole organisation or a section of it
  • your contact details (your phone number, address, and email).

Submissions are public information

Note, your submission is public information. Submissions may be the subject of requests for information under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA specifies that information is to be made available to requesters unless there are sufficient grounds for withholding it, as set out in the OIA. Submitters may wish to indicate grounds for withholding specific information contained in their submission, such as if the information is commercially sensitive or if they wish personal information to be withheld. Any decision to withhold information requested under the OIA is reviewable by the Ombudsman.