Final preparation for shipping building supplies from the Horowhenua to Samoa almost came unstuck on Tuesday because the inspection of timber to meet quarantine requirements hadn’t been carried out.
“Phytosanitary certification was something I completely overlooked when we were preparing the shipment” project organiser Tender Tips Managing Director Geoff Lewis said. “We had a little panic because the container was about to leave for Auckland to be loaded onto the container ship and we didn’t have all of our documentation in place. Added to that we had spent nearly all of our funds on material and it was a cost we hadn’t budgeted for”.
Geoff contacted specialist forestry and timber verification and inspection company, Independent Verification Services (IVS) and asked for their help. IVS offered their services free of charge and were able to reschedule their work. In 24 hours the problem had been solved. A speedy unloading of the container, inspection, and then reloading took place. “The devastation in Samoa touched all of us, and IVS is pleased to be able to support the initiative undertaken by the Horowhenua Community” said IVS Chief Executive, Peter Webb “We have ensured the biosecurity requirements have been met, making border security clearance a smooth and easy transition for their consignment.”
The building team will arrive in Apia on the 10th of March and, along with the local labour force will have the task completed 9 days later.

Paul Brownie of IVS inspecting the poles for quarantine pests. Fred McBridie, owner of ITM Building Supplies and Martyn Abraham, Tender Tips Farm Manager are ready to speedily reload the container.