Background
New Zealand's biosecurity system helps protect our economy, environment, and people from unwanted pests and diseases.
Our biosecurity system is underpinned by the Biosecurity Act 1993. The Act provides the legal framework for MPI and other organisations to help keep harmful organisms out of New Zealand. It also provides the framework for how we respond, and manage organisms, if any make it into the country.
But the Act needs an overhaul.
We're working with Māori, industry partners, environmental groups and others to look at what changes the Act might need – both now and for the future.
Government media release: Big changes for biosecurity system
Why the Act is being updated
The biosecurity system is facing increasing pressures. These include:
- growth and diversity in trade and tourism
- increases in the number of packages arriving in New Zealand through online purchasing
- climate change
- pressure from established pests.
Updating the 26-year-old Act will ensure our biosecurity system remains robust and resilient in the face of these challenges.
Find out more about the overhaul [PDF, 238 KB]
What will be covered
The main things we'll look at include:
- the Act's overarching purpose and set of guiding principles
- how te ao Māori (the Māori world) is reflected in biosecurity regulation
- clear and consistent roles and responsibilities across the biosecurity system
- how the system is funded, including for biosecurity responses
- setting import requirements
- getting the right balance between enforcement and incentives
- filling gaps in the legislation that past biosecurity responses and other events have revealed.
More details are in the terms of reference [PDF, 260 KB]
Having your say
All New Zealanders will have a chance to have their say during the overhaul. We'll update this page when we're doing a formal public consultation on any potential changes.
If you have questions about the overhaul, email bioactreview@mpi.govt.nz