Jobs at risk due to stink bugs

Three car carriers have already reached New Zealand's shores with stink bug infestations this month: Armacup 's Tokyo Car, Mitsui OSK Line's Courageous Ace, and the latest being Toyofuji's Sepang Express. 

Glovis Caravel was bound for New Zealand, however the car carrier was redirected on Wednesday after a check conducted at sea found the two types of stink bugs, the YSSB and BMSB.

MPI considers the trade out of Japan a high risk for BMSB and YSSB. It is presumed the meeting will be discussing how to clear the uncertainties arising from the presence of the stink bugs and the ramifications for the auto industry.

VIA's website states that the motor vehicle importation industry is worth an estimated $100 million a year to New Zealand, including $80m in Auckland. A disruption like this can have enormous consequences and can affect thousands of jobs, from inspectors to mechanics. 

2017 saw 331,641 new and used passenger and commercial vehicles entering the country.