A New Zealand apple orchardist is facing multiple charges of misusing documents to export non-complying apples to Taiwan, according to website Nzherald.co.nz. 

The charges have been brought against Matipou Orchards and managing director William Thow and carry a maximum penalty of seven years' jail, the story reported.

When called by www.freshfruitportal.com, the company declined to comment on the issue.

The story said multiple charges were laid in Hasting District Court in April, and related to allegations that at varying times between April 2009 and April 2011 documents completed in the company name misrepresented the origin of apples shipped to Taiwan.

The charges were filed by New Zealand's Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), and have been adjourned without plea until July 15, the story reported.

They allegedly followed a lengthy investigation in which the former Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), which is now MPI, withdrew its approval for the company to inspect and pass apples from a Twyford district packhouse as for fit export to Taiwan, the story reported.

The story said officers and police executed a search warrant on the company in March 2013, and the charges had been filed after an investigation by MPI.

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