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Read more in the release on the Beehive's website

The new Ministry will bring together the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Science and Innovation, the Department of Labour, and the Department of Building and Housing. 

The Ministry of Economic Development will act as the foundation of the new Ministry, which we expect to be established by 1 July 2012. 

In the meantime, business will continue as usual. 

The Ministry of Economic Development website will be updated with more information as it becomes available. 

Some dog-tracking devices are illegal in New Zealand because they operate on the same radio frequencies as equipment frequently used by people travelling and working in rural areas. This spectrum is licensed to those operators and must not be used by other devices.

From 1 March 2012 specified dog-tracking devices may not be imported into New Zealand and may be intercepted and destroyed by the New Zealand Customs Service.

Before you buy, be sure to check whether the device may be imported and is acceptable for use in New Zealand and authorised for a radio licence. Using illegal devices may result in a fine or prosecution. If you are uncertain, please contact us for information.

You can talk to RSM about dog tracking collars and other prohibited equipment on free phone 0508 RSM INFO (0508 776 463) or email us on info@rsm.govt.nz. Other ways to contact RSM can be found here.

View Radiocommunications Regulations (Prohibited Equipment – Dog Tracking Devices) Notice 2012.

Radio jamming equipment  

A radio jammer is an electronic device that deliberately disrupts or jams reception of radio signals including cellphones and GPS. It is illegal to import, manufacture, sell or use a radio jammer in New Zealand except with a licence issued by the Ministry of Economic Development. For more information please contact us.

View Radiocommunications Regulations (Prohibited Equipment – Radio Jammer Equipment) Notice 2011.

Chris Brennan, Compliance Manager for the Radio Spectrum Group at the Ministry of Economic Development, says the government is cracking down on illegal dog-tracking devices because they dangerously interfere with other radio transmission services.

“While not all dog-tracking devices are illegal, some of those being imported operate on the same radio frequencies as equipment used by people travelling and working in rural areas, such as forestry workers, Department of Conservation rangers, or search and rescue crew. This spectrum is licensed to those operators,” he says.

“This is an issue we take very seriously. We are particularly concerned that illegal dog-tracking devices could interfere with rescue services in remote areas – for example, a search and rescue crew looking for an injured tramper in the bush.”

Individual hunters using illegal dog-tracking devices risk prosecution. If caught, they could face fines of up to $30,000 and a criminal record. Companies face even bigger fines – a maximum of $200,000.

“Anyone looking to import radio transmitting equipment should first check whether it is acceptable in New Zealand and authorised for a radio licence.”

The dog-tracking collars to be avoided are sold under the Garmin and SportDOG TEK brands, however, all devices should be checked before purchase. Devices should not operate on the 151.820 MHz, 151.880 MHz, 151.940 MHz, 154.570 MHz and 154.600 MHz frequencies.

These frequencies were assigned to landmobile services in the 1970s, decades before their use in the United States for dog-tracking devices. The Ministry published the Prohibited Equipment Notice for Dog Tracking Devices in 2009 to highlight the risk and provide additional controls on supply of the devices. Since then, 35 individuals and companies have been fined or prosecuted to deter people from using or selling the devices.

More than 100 illegal tracking devices have been intercepted since December 2011, with legal action underway by the Ministry. The Ministry also regularly inspects New Zealand websites and suppliers to ensure the illegal transmitters are not marketed and sold here.

For more information call the free helpline 0508 RSM INFO (0508 776 463).