Biosecurity by region

Getting to know biosecurity risks and activities in your area

Biosecurity risks are different from region to region so it's a good idea to get to know what you're dealing with. Your regional council provides local pest and disease updates as well as information on the biosecurity projects they have underway. There are many regional industry and community groups doing important biosecurity mahi around Aotearoa New Zealand. You can support these groups by volunteering your time, donating funds or talking to friends and family about their work.

Te Ika-a-Māui North Island

Te Tai Tokerau Northland

What's at risk?

Northland has more than 3,000 kilometres of coastline. It is a paradise of islands and is home to Tāne Mahuta—New Zealand's oldest kauri tree. Northland's natural environment is incredible, but also very fragile.

We love exploring the waters of the Bay of Islands. We love sliding down the sand dunes at Ninety Mile beach and walking through majestic kauri forests.

The Northland Regional Council have a key role in protecting the region from pests and diseases. But they don't and can't, do it alone. It takes all of us to protect Northland.

Biosecurity programmes and initiatives in Northland include:

Discover more about biosecurity in Northland:  

Support local biosecurity groups

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

What's at risk?

Even in the middle of the central city in Auckland, you're never far from the natural environment. Native bush, beaches and lakes surround the city. There's a beach for everyone. From the wild black-sand surf beaches on the west coast to the cafe-lined beaches near the city center. Auckland is also home to 26 regional parks.

Auckland Airport is New Zealand's largest entry point for travellers arriving in New Zealand. Auckland also has several large commercial and cargo harbours. With so much coming into and out of Auckland, there's a role for all of us to help protect it from pests and diseases.

Biosecurity programmes and initiatives in Auckland include:

Discover more about biosecurity in Auckland:

Support local biosecurity groups

Waikato and Kapanga Thames-Coromandel

What's at risk?

The whenua, lakes, rivers and coastlines of the Waikato make up some of our favourite spots in New Zealand.

We love fishing in Taupō. We love exploring the Waitomo caves and meandering along the many beaches of the Coromandel. We love surfing in Raglan and hitting the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. The Waikato's waterways are very popular with recreational boaties.

Tourism and farming are two major industries in the Waikato - both of which are vulnerable to the impacts of pests and diseases. It takes all of us to protect what we love about the mighty Waikato.

Biosecurity programmes and initiatives in the Waikato include:

Discover more about biosecurity in the Waikato:

Support local biosecurity groups

Te Moana-a-Toi Bay of Plenty

What's at risk?

As Kiwis, we all enjoy what the stunning Bay of Plenty has to offer. It's both a beach and nature holiday destination. Bay of Plenty is also a major producer of our kiwifruit, avocados, citrus fruits, and more. There is lots to love and protect.

The Port of Tauranga is an important gateway between New Zealand and international markets. With so many containers arriving and leaving New Zealand through the port, there's a risk of pests and diseases arriving as well.

The Bay of Plenty is the first region to establish a regional biosecurity partnership. The Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital builds a team of regional biosecurity champions. They bring together groups including mātauranga Māori, industry, science, education and government.

Together, we can protect what we love about our region from pests and diseases.

Biosecurity programmes and initiatives in the Bay of Plenty include:

Discover more about biosecurity in the Bay of Plenty:

Support local biosecurity groups:

 

Taranaki

What's at risk?

Taranaki is a beach, bush and mountain paradise for outdoor adventurers. From surfing to skiing, Taranaki is one of our favourite playgrounds all year round. It is home to the Egmont National Park and Surf Highway 45. The region's stunning public and private gardens, and garden festivals are well known.

Taranaki's forestry, agriculture, seafood and energy sectors are all at risk from pests and diseases. They also have a major role to play in in protecting what we love.

Biosecurity programmes and initiatives in Taranaki

The Taranaki region is establishing a new regional biosecurity partnership. Building a team of biosecurity champions, Biosecurity Taranaki brings together a network including iwi, industry, community, science, education and government.

Read more about Biosecurity Taranaki

Other biosecurity programmes and initiatives in Taranaki

Discover more about biosecurity in Taranaki

Tairāwhiti Gisborne

What's at risk?

Positioned on the East Coast, Gisborne is famous for being the first city in the world to see the sunrise each day. The region's known for its great weather, stunning beaches and natural and cultural history.

We love exploring and surfing the waves at Wainui beach. We can slide down Rere rockslide on our boogie boards and cycle the Mōtū trail.

Agriculture has been an important industry in the region since settlement. Forestry, viticulture (wine) and horticulture are also key industries in the region. "Gizzy" is famous as the "Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand". It is home to many award winning wines and cheeses.

It takes all of us to protect Gisborne from biosecurity threats.

Biosecurity programmes and initiatives in Gisborne include:

Discover more about biosecurity in Gisborne:

Te Matau-a-Māui Hawke's Bay

What's at risk?

Sunny Hawke's Bay has a reputation as New Zealand's food and wine country. From stone fruits and truffles to apples and wine, the region's fertile soil produces kai we all love.  

With seven major rivers flowing through the region, we're spoilt for choice in places to visit for whitebaiting, fishing, water sports and horse-riding.

We also love hiking or biking up (and down) Te Mata peak. From the top, we enjoy the panoramic views of the region.

With so much to treasure, we all need to play our part to defend Hawke's Bay from the risks of pests and diseases.

Biosecurity programmes and initiatives in Hawke's Bay include:

Discover more about biosecurity Hawke's Bay:

Manawatū-Whanganui

What's at risk?

The Horizons region spans from Ruapehu to Horowhenua and Whanganui to Tararua. It also includes Taupō, Manawatū and Palmerston North. This region is the heartland of Aoteraroa. It is home to our most precious national parks and mightiest awa (rivers).

Tongariro is New Zealand's oldest national park and is a dual World Heritage area. We love exploring the Whanganui river—by car, kayak, canoe, jet boat, bike or on foot. The Manawatū river flows through much of the region. It is our taonga (treasure).

Scenic countryside landscape form the backdrop to much of the region. Agriculture, forestry and fishing are important industries in the Manawatū-Whanganui region. Food processing and tourism also play an important role in the region.

It takes all of us to protect Manwatū-Whanganui's national parks, mighty rivers and industries.

Biosecurity programmes and initatives in Manawatu-Whanganui:

Discover more about biosecurity in Manawatu-Whanganui:

Support local volunteer groups

Te Upoko o Te Ika a Maui Wellington

What's at risk?

The Wellington region spans from the south coast to Otaki, Mt Bruce and Castlepoint. The world's "coolest little capital" is surrounded by an amazing "green-belt" natural environment.

We love exploring Wellington's pest-free islands, rugged southern coastline and cycling the vines in Martinborough.

Thanks to the mahi of various groups, Wellington has seen the decline of animal pests over recent years. Through these efforts we now can enjoy the return of native birdsong in our suburban gardens. We can spot Tuataras sunbathing and listen to Korimako (Bellbirds) sing at ZEALANDIA Te Māra a Tāne.      

We can all help to protect Wellington's natural environment, way of life and industries from biosecurity risks.

Biosecurity programmes and initiatives in Wellington:

Discover more about biosecurity in Wellington:

Te Waipounamu South Island

Top of the South: Te tai o Aorere Tasman, Whakatū Nelson and Te Tauihu-o-te-waka Marlborough

What's at risk?

Top of the South is a paradise for outdoor recreation. With longer sunshine hours, golden beaches and three national parks, Tasman has so much to offer. We love swimming, boating and fishing in Tasman's coasts and lakes. We love exploring Abel Tasman National Park and the Queen Charlotte track. Tasman is also home to Te Waikoropupū Springs— the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand—and the iconic Kaiteriteri beach.

Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine region. Famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough played a major role in putting New Zealand wines on the international map. The Top of the South's climate is ideal for growing hops. Helping to make the region New Zealand's craft beer capital. Pests and diseases put all this and other horticulture and fisheries at risk.

Marine pests and diseases are a major risk in the region. Port Nelson is Australasia's largest fishing port. Port Marlborough is both a key passenger transfer point and log transport facility. The stunning Marlborough Sounds also draws many leisure boat visitors. All this activity increases the risk of spreading pests and diseases.

It takes all of us to protect what's unique and precious about the Top of the South from pests and diseases.  

Top of the South biosecurity programmes and initiatives:

Discover more about biosecurity in the Top of the South:

Te Tai Poutini The West Coast

What's at risk?

Stretching 600 km along the South Island, the wild West Coast is home to some of New Zealand's most dramatic natural environments. From rain forests and rivers, to national parks and glaciers, the Coast is much more than sand flies and rain.

We love hiking, hunting, fishing, kayaking and mountain biking (MTB) on the Coast. We spot cheeky weka in our yards. We explore the untamed wilderness of the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.

The area has been drawing visitors—including eco-tourists—since the 1800s gold rush. But today its reputation for wild foods and intriguing bush adventures attracts visitors.

Whether we're a Coaster or a visitor, we can all help protect the beauty of the West Coast and its industries.

Biosecurity programmes and initiatives on the West Coast:

Discover more about biosecurity on the West Coast:

Waitaha Canterbury

What's at risk?

From the Canterbury plains and the peaks of Aoraki Mt Cook, to glaciers and sandy beaches, we love the diversity of Canterbury's landscapes.

We enjoy the picturesque harbour views of Banks Peninsula. We relax in the thermal pools at Hanmer Springs. We enjoy lunch by the Avon river in Christchruch. We can see whales, dolphins, seals and yellow-eyed penguins in their natural habitat. There are plenty of adventures to be had on the ski-fields, trails and tracks of the region.

Christchurch's airport and container ports at Lyttleton and Timaru connect the region to the world. But this border activity presents its own risks to manage.

Pests and diseases threaten everything we love about Canterbury. They could also impact Canterbury's strong tourism and agribusiness sectors. These sectors are significant to our economy and food sources.

Biosecurity programmes and initiatives in Canterbury: 

Discover more about biosecurity in Canterbury:

Ōtākou Otago

What's at risk?

Otago is a great place to live, study or play. The region is home to dramatic mountains, powerful rivers and remote beaches. From outdoor adventurers to sophisticated foodies, Otago has something for all of us.

From Dunedin's beaches to Queenstown's ski resorts there's so much to enjoy, but also much at risk. Penguins, seals, sea lions and even albatross all share the coastline. The grapes, apricots and cherries grown in the region are world renowned. We can all play our part in protecting what we love about Otago from pests and diseases.

Biosecurity programmes and initiatives in Otago:

Discover more about biosecurity in Otago:

Support local volunteer groups:

Murihiku Southland

What's at risk?

New Zealand's most southern region is so much more than soft rolling 'r's and cold climate. Fiordland is our largest national park and is part of the Te Wāhipounamu—a UNESCO World Heritage site. From its great maunga (mountains) to its awa (lakes), Fiordland is a unique and untouched corner of the world. It has a protected marine environment.

We love Bluff's famous oysters. We love trout fishing in Gore. We love catching a glimpse of the 'Southern Lights' in The Catlins. In Southland, we can spot some of the most rare native birds— including the hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin), kiwi and Takahē.

It's up to all of us to protect Southland's unique natural environment and way of life from biosecurity risks.

Biosecurity programmes and initiatives in Southland:

Discover more about biosecurity in Southland:

Get in touch

Are you working hard to help protect NZ from pests and diseases? Are you in a school or community group project that supports biosecurity in New Zealand? If your group is not featured on the above list, tell us what you're doing, and we'll help promote it on this website.

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