Biosecurity

A forgotten apple in a traveller’s bag could net them a $400 fine – and for close to 8,000 travellers, that is exactly what happened, according to Biosecurity New Zealand.

Biosecurity New Zealand is warning the public about spreading the exotic Caulerpa brachypus seaweed and urging boaties and fishers to thoroughly clean their equipment.

Rising passenger volumes at New Zealand’s air and maritime ports have prompted Biosecurity New Zealand to ramp up collaboration with airport companies, airlines, and other border agencies to speed up arrival processes while ensuring the country’s safety.

Biosecurity New Zealand is ramping up border security measures for passengers arriving on direct flights from Bali due to the threat of foot-and-mouth disease.

Biosecurity NZ says the new digital system will give it an opportunity to send relevant messaging to help improve compliance.

Commercial airline and maritime operators will soon be required by law to provide biosecurity information to vessels and aircraft with more than 20 passengers arriving in New Zealand.

Biosecurity New Zealand says it is working with Auckland Airport to address mishandled and unaccompanied baggage issues affecting travellers this summer and is also collaborating with cruise to ensure ships arrive with clean hulls.

Biosecurity New Zealand is urging arriving travellers to do their bit to ensure unwanted pests and diseases do not enter New Zealand over the busy summer period.

Biosecurity New Zealand has established an express lane at Auckland International Airport to help reduce passenger congestion in the arrivals area.

The Primary Production Committee is seeking public submissions on a plan to increase fines for biosecurity breaches and give officers more powers to refuse entry.

Clean your shoes or buy a cheap pair and throw them out before you leave – that is the message to visitors to New Zealand as farmers try to keep foot-and-mouth disease away from livestock.

Biosecurity New Zealand is stepping up a border campaign to raise awareness of foot-and-mouth disease amongst visitors to New Zealand.

Biosecurity New Zealand is redeploying up to 270 frontline officers because of falling passenger numbers.

Biosecurity NZ ordered a cruise ship to leave New Zealand just before Christmas after discovering biofouling on its hull.

Cruise ships visiting New Zealand are a relatively low biosecurity risk although there is room for improvement, according to Biosecurity NZ. 

More port inspections and more dog teams sniffing passengers will be conducted.

The new tech will scan baggage for biosecurity risks before passengers reach their luggage.

Cruise ship passengers found in breach of biosecurity rules are now subject to $400 fines under new measures that came into place last week.

Booming tourism, growing trade, and climate change issues have prompted the government to create a new biosecurity unit.