What must all food and garbage be processed in for aircraft arriving in New Zealand?

Food and garbage brought in by aircraft arriving in New Zealand must be processed in a MAF (Ministry for Primary Industries) approved facility. This requirement is in place to ensure that any food and waste materials do not pose a risk to New Zealand's agriculture and biosecurity. The MAF has strict regulations and guidelines to manage and control organic materials entering the country, which helps prevent the introduction of pests and diseases that could negatively impact local ecosystems and farming.

Airport facilities and customs facilities may deal with many operational aspects of air travel and trade, but they do not specifically focus on the biosecurity aspects that MAF-approved facilities handle. Similarly, an international cargo facility primarily deals with cargo shipments rather than food and waste management in regard to biosecurity regulations. This emphasis on MAF approval is to maintain New Zealand's high standards for biosecurity and to safeguard its unique environment.