Biosecurity Down Under; the challenges and opportunities in protecting New Zealand from exotic pest introductions

Abstract

There are increasing risks to New Zealand’s unique biodiversity and native ecosystems as well as economic primary production from the introduction of exotic plant pests (insects, pathogens, weeds), and the scale of these biosecurity threats is escalating alongside the expansion of New Zealand’s trade and tourism industries. For example it is estimated that almost 2200 species of introduced invertebrates are now established New Zealand, with the majority establishing in close proximity to high risk entry points such as Auckland International Airport. Predicted climate change scenarios will also expose New Zealand to suite of new and emerging global pest threats, additional to changes in future distributions and local abundance of current pests already established. For example climate change scenarios will increase New Zealand’s susceptibility and exposure to sub-tropical diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Building and improving a resilient biosecurity system to protect New Zealand from exotic pests is a constant challenge while also ensuring community engagement and support for pre and post border interventions, tools and technologies. A growing challenge for agencies involved in biosecurity and pest management is to manage two-way risk communication and engagement strategies that account for community perspectives. We discuss recent case studies where the challenges facing New Zealand’s biosecurity system has been improved with innovation and opportunities to improve community participation and support, especially from the Māori community.