Articles tagged with Biosecurity
New Research Projects Boost Efforts to Eradicate Yellow-Legged Hornet in NZ
1 day ago | 61 viewsFour new research projects led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute will support Biosecurity New Zealand's efforts to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet, focusing on risk modeling, impact assessment, targeted communication with Māori communities, and readiness planning for the apiculture sector. Since the hornet's detection in Auckland last year, 77 queens and 132 nests have been removed, with no sightings since early April, but ongoing surveillance and public vigilance remain crucial. Funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, these projects aim to enhance eradication strategies and prepare for potential long-term management.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute Auckland Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Maiangi Taiao Māori communities apiculture sectorNew Zealand Prepares for Bird Flu Arrival: Biosecurity Measures and Safety Tips
4 days ago | 131 viewsNew Zealand is actively preparing for the potential arrival of the H5N1 bird flu strain, collaborating across government agencies and local councils while urging the public to adopt strong biosecurity measures. Recent detections of the virus in migratory seabirds in Western Australia highlight the risk, prompting close monitoring and communication with Australian authorities. Citizens are advised to watch for signs of illness in birds, maintain cleanliness, avoid contact with wild birds, and report multiple sick or dead birds to authorities, with the human health risk currently assessed as low.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister Ministry for Primary Industries Department of Conservation Ministry of Health Health New Zealand H5N1 bird flu avian influenza Australian authoritiesGovernment Boosts $79M to Combat Wilding Pines and Protect Rural NZ
1 month ago | 261 viewsThe Government is investing an additional $79 million over three years to combat the spread of wilding pines, which threaten farmland, water supplies, biodiversity, and increase wildfire risks across more than two million hectares in New Zealand. This funding boost supports the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme and partners including regional councils, iwi, farmers, and volunteers to enhance rural productivity and long-term community resilience. Additionally, MPI will develop a National Pest Management Plan to improve coordination and establish consistent rules for ongoing wilding pine control.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister New Zealand wilding pines National Wilding Conifer Control Programme Budget 2026 MPI Canterbury Otago MarlboroughAuckland Yellow-Legged Hornet Eradication On Track, Public Urged to Stay Alert
1 month ago | 321 viewsBiosecurity New Zealand’s eradication efforts against the yellow-legged hornet in Auckland are progressing well, with no sightings for over six weeks and hornets confined to a small area. The response is entering a monitoring phase through winter, focusing on trapping and preparation for potential hornet re-emergence in spring, while urging public vigilance and caution during outdoor activities. The operation, praised internationally and supported by extensive public reporting, began last November and remains intensive to ensure complete eradication.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity New Zealand Auckland hornet eradication North Shore pest control biosecurity response invasive species public reportingGovernment Enhances Plant Variety Rights to Boost NZ Exports and Growers' Income
1 month ago | 304 viewsThe New Zealand Government is strengthening the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 to better protect investments in high-value horticulture, support growers, and boost export returns, particularly for kiwifruit and apples. Key changes include extending the PVR term by five years and restoring provisional protection to allow breeders immediate legal action against exploitation during the application process. These measures aim to encourage innovation, secure jobs, and enhance New Zealand’s competitiveness in global markets.
Tags: Todd McClay Cameron Brewer New Zealand Plant Variety Rights Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit horticulture Biosecurity Science Institute kiwifruit industryNew Zealand Tests Foot and Mouth Disease Readiness with Farm Simulations
1 month ago | 373 viewsNew Zealand will test its foot and mouth disease readiness through upcoming simulations, including Exercise Farm Gate in May and Exercise Cloven Shield in July, led by the Ministry for Primary Industries. These exercises aim to rehearse responses from on-farm detection to national governance, strengthening biosecurity systems to protect the economy and communities. The government emphasizes the importance of preparedness given the potentially massive economic impact of an outbreak, estimated at up to $14.3 billion annually without action.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard New Zealand Biosecurity Minister Ministry for Primary Industries MPI Exercise Farm Gate Exercise Cloven Shield Taranaki foot and mouth disease Government Industry AgreementNew Zealand Reviews Ruminant Protein Rules to Protect $4.9B Beef Export
1 month ago | 317 viewsNew Zealand is reviewing its Biosecurity (Ruminant Protein) Regulations 1999 to prevent BSE (mad cow disease) from entering its cattle and protect the $4.9 billion beef export sector. The review focuses on preventing cross contamination and accidental exposure to ruminant protein in cattle feed, which is crucial for maintaining the country's negligible-risk status recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard emphasizes that getting the regulations right is vital for keeping international markets open, with public consultation running from April 28 to June 12.
Tags: New Zealand Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity ruminant protein regulations BSE mad cow disease beef export World Organisation for Animal Health prion diseases cattleNew Zealand’s Action for Nature Plan Drives Biodiversity Restoration and Economic Growth
2 months ago | 389 viewsNew Zealand's new implementation plan, "Action for Nature," aims to restore biodiversity by focusing on smarter investment, stronger partnerships, and improved information use to guide conservation efforts. The plan prioritizes coordinated action, increasing revenue from public conservation lands, enhancing evidence-based decision-making, and empowering communities to address biosecurity risks. These efforts support native species recovery, bolster regional economies reliant on healthy environments, and reinforce the Predator Free 2050 initiative.
Tags: New Zealand Tama Potaka biodiversity Conservation Minister Action for Nature Te Mana o te Taiao Aotearoa Predator Free 2050 indigenous species biosecurityNew NZ Customs Levy Regime Starts Today: Fairer Fees for Importers and Exporters
2 months ago | 439 viewsA new levy regime effective today aims to make New Zealand’s goods management system fairer by shifting border clearance costs from taxpayers to importers and exporters, particularly addressing the surge in low-value online imports. The changes introduce differentiated charges based on consignment type and value, end subsidies for low-value goods and commercial vessels, and include fees for international transshipments and empty containers. These reforms, developed with industry consultation, are expected to recover NZ$71 million over four years, supporting Customs and MPI in safeguarding trade, biosecurity, and community safety.
Tags: Casey Costello Andrew Hoggard Customs Biosecurity New Zealand goods levy MPI border management online importsOriental Fruit Fly Controls Lifted in Papatoetoe After Successful Eradication
2 months ago | 440 viewsBiosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced the lifting of Oriental fruit fly controls in Papatoetoe following a swift response and no further detections since early March. The rigorous biosecurity system, including pre-arrival fruit treatment, border checks, and surveillance trapping, along with community cooperation, was crucial in preventing a damaging infestation. Although the response concludes, the national fruit fly surveillance programme with nearly 8,000 traps remains active to protect New Zealand’s horticultural sector.
Tags: Oriental fruit fly Papatoetoe Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister Biosecurity New Zealand fruit fly detection fruit fly eradication horticultural sector fruit fly surveillance New ZealandNew Zealand Declared Free of Queensland Fruit Fly After Swift Biosecurity Response
4 months ago | 658 viewsNew Zealand has eradicated the Queensland fruit fly from Mt Roskill after a swift biosecurity response, with no further evidence found since a single male fly was detected in January. Biosecurity New Zealand lifted movement controls on fruit and vegetables, protecting the horticulture industry, which is projected to export $9.2 billion worth of produce by 2026. The success reflects a robust multi-layered biosecurity system and strong community cooperation, preventing significant damage to the sector.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity New Zealand Queensland fruit fly New Zealand Mt Roskill horticulture industry Kiwifruit biosecurity fruit fly eradication community cooperationGovernment Launches Wild Deer Management Program to Protect NZ Farmland
4 months ago | 665 viewsThe Government is launching a programme in 2026 to help communities manage wild deer populations, focusing on collaborative catchment groups in the Wairarapa and Hurunui regions. The initiative involves stakeholders such as hunters and regional councils, excludes toxin use for control, and aims to review regulations to enhance commercial opportunities for deer recovery. Additionally, the Government plans to extend efforts to address other wild animal impacts, including wild pigs and Canada geese, through a coordinated approach.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard James Meager MPI New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Game Animal Council wild deer hunting community Biosecurity Minister Hunting and Fishing Minister WairarapaBiosecurity Levy Reduced by 30% for Incoming Air Passengers in New Zealand
4 months ago | 759 viewsThe biosecurity component of the Border Processing Levy for most arriving air passengers will decrease by 30 percent, from $16.92 to $12.03, as the costs of rebuilding border operations after COVID-19 have been paid off. The levy funds essential biosecurity services like x-ray screening and detector dogs, which protect New Zealand's economy and environment, particularly benefiting farmers and other primary industries. The government plans to use levy funds to modernize border biosecurity through investments in new technology, including a digital border program and enhanced passenger processing systems.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity New Zealand Border Processing Levy biosecurity air travel New Zealand Traveller Declaration detector dogs digital border programmeNew Inflight Biosecurity Video Urges Travelers to Protect New Zealand's Environment
5 months ago | 836 viewsBiosecurity New Zealand has released an updated inflight video to inform international passengers about their responsibility to declare or dispose of risk items to protect New Zealand’s primary industries and environment from threats like foot and mouth disease. The video, featuring biosecurity officers and ambassadors, provides clear instructions on completing the New Zealand Traveller Declaration and helps airlines comply with the 2023 legal requirement to provide biosecurity information before arrival. Additionally, Biosecurity New Zealand is enhancing border measures by increasing staff and improving airport processing to manage higher passenger volumes during the summer.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Hugh Jackson Grace Rehu Ashton Reiser Biosecurity New Zealand New Zealand Traveller Declaration foot and mouth disease brown marmorated stink bug Biosecurity (Information for Incoming Passengers) Regulations 2023 Auckland AirportNew Zealand Invests in Advanced Biosecurity Lab to Protect Primary Industries
6 months ago | 934 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing in a new Plant Health and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) at Mt Albert to enhance biosecurity, protect primary industries, and support economic growth. This modern facility will replace the aging MPI lab, strengthen defenses against biosecurity threats, and help maintain export market access critical to the $60.4 billion food and fibre sector. Construction, managed by Crown Infrastructure Delivery and led by Southbase Construction, began with completion expected in 2028 and operation starting in 2029.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Chris Bishop Biosecurity Minister Infrastructure Minister Ministry for Primary Industries Crown Infrastructure Delivery Southbase Construction Plant Health and Environment Laboratory Mt Albert Research Centre New Zealand Government