A $15,000 fine given to an Auckland man for attempting to illegally import dried birds' nests is being supported by the Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand.

Dried birds' nests are a Chinese delicacy which threaten New Zealand's poultry industry and native birds.

An edible swiftlet nest. Photo: File

'New Zealand is uniquely free of major avian diseases,” says Michael Brooks, Executive Director of PIANZ, 'and imports of dried birds' nests pose a grave threat.

'Birds' nests are made from the saliva secretions of the swiftlet bird, which can carry a number of significant avian diseases such as avian influenza and Newcastle Disease that have devastated poultry farms in parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia and North America.

In a successful prosecution brought by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Tian Chi Lee, 40, of North Shore, pleaded guilty in Manukau District Court to a Biosecurity Act charge of knowingly attempting to possess unauthorised goods – 68 dried birds' nests.

The fine of $15,000 reflected the serious nature of Mr Tian Chi Lee's actions.

He admitted that his brother in Malaysia had sent the birds' nests with a false declaration to a fictitious person, because both men knew they were not allowed in New Zealand.

'The New Zealand poultry meat and egg industries provide over 4000 jobs and earn over $2 billion a year,” adds Michael.

'Avian diseases also pose a potential risk to the native bird population of New Zealand.”