We need a shared, forward-looking view of the biosecurity system
Biosecurity is about keeping out, getting rid of, or managing pests and diseases that threaten New Zealand. It helps protect our:
- economy
- native plants and animals, our taonga species
- land, rivers, and oceans
- culture, health, and lifestyles.
New Zealand's biosecurity system comprises many parts to manage risks offshore, at the border, and within New Zealand. Those parts include people, tools, technology, processes, and rules.
While New Zealand's system is working well, biosecurity threats are growing in scale and complexity. Risk pathways (the ways new and unwanted pests and diseases can get here), along with climate, are changing.
There is increasing pressure from both new and established pests and diseases.
A shared, forward-looking view of New Zealand's biosecurity system was needed to guide priorities for improvement and use existing resources to their full potential.
The new shared action plan will help people and organisations across the biosecurity system work together more effectively.
Biosecurity system action plan [PDF, 350 KB]
An overview of our biosecurity system
The document 'Protecting New Zealand – An introduction to New Zealand's biosecurity system' gives an overview of how the system works to protect our economy, environment, culture, and way of life from harmful pests and diseases.
It explains the risks facing New Zealand, the pathways through which pests and diseases can enter and spread, and the roles that government, industry, mana whenua, communities, businesses, and individuals play in managing those risks.
Through practical examples and case studies, it demonstrates how the biosecurity system operates across offshore, border, and domestic settings and highlights the collective effort required to strengthen New Zealand's biosecurity resilience into the future.
Protecting New Zealand – An introduction to New Zealand's biosecurity system [PDF, 1.7 MB]