News and stories

Biosecurity protects home grown happiness

Story

Biosecurity protects home grown happiness

"We all need to keep a look out for any biosecurity threats that could ruin these gardens that we love so much." Watch Elien Lewis of Home Grown Happiness talk about why biosecurity matters to her.

Vessel biofouling in Hawai'i

Story

Vessel biofouling in Hawai'i

Hawaiʻi took notice when New Zealand and California passed rules aimed at vessel biofouling. Last year, the Hawaiʻi Interagency Biosecurity Plan was released that set 10 year goals for managing biosecurity risks including those posed by vessel biofouling.

Salvinia eradication at Wairakei Stream

Story

Salvinia eradication at Wairakei Stream

After just one phase of eradication of Salvinia (Salvinia molesta), Wairakei Stream in Papamoa is looking great. The initiative was a collaboration between local iwi—Ngā Pōtikī, Tauranga City Council, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Biosecurity New

Biosecurity with Master Chef Sachie Nomura of Sachie's Kitchen

Story

Biosecurity with Master Chef Sachie Nomura of Sachie's Kitchen

Master Chef Sachie Nomura of Sachie's Kitchen shows us why biosecurity matters to her and the local New Zealand produce she uses in her amazing dishes.

Getting to know the Mediterranean fanworm

Story

Getting to know the Mediterranean fanworm

The notorious Mediterranean fanworm, Sabella spallanzanii, first appeared in New Zealand in March 2008 in Lyttelton Harbour. Despite intensive efforts to restrict its spread, it’s managed to spread throughout much of the Waitemata Harbour, as well as Whan

Getting to grips with an Aussie invader

Story

Getting to grips with an Aussie invader

The Aussie invader, the Pyura sea squirt, has been found in intertidal mussel (kuta) beds in Northland, and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is collaborating with far north iwi on research looking at ways to get rid of it. So far their approach l

Marine biosecurity in the Chatham Islands

Story

Marine biosecurity in the Chatham Islands

The 11 Chatham Islands sit approximately 860 kms east of New Zealand and even though they have their own Council, a lack of resources and sheer size of the island group, means they sub-contract biosecurity to Environment Canterbury. Environment Canterbury

Marine pest surveillance programme

Story

Marine pest surveillance programme

Every summer and winter the Marine High Risk Site Surveillance Programme surveys 11 New Zealand high risk ports checking for new species that may have caught a ride on an international vessel and made themselves at home.

Know your marine organism

Story

Know your marine organism

The Marine Invasive Taxonomic Service (MITS), run by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), is responsible for identifying and managing collections of all marine samples so that we know what’s out there and what it looks like.