Articles tagged with Biosecurity
New $1.5M Grant Supports Kiwi Poultry Operators Against H5 Bird Flu Risks
1 week ago | 291 viewsThe New Zealand Government has launched a $1.5 million Poultry Biosecurity Grant to help small to medium-sized poultry operators prepare for the potential arrival of H5 bird flu by funding up to 50% of biosecurity improvements. This grant supports infrastructure upgrades, bird-proofing, cleaning facilities, and development of biosecurity plans, aiming to protect jobs, livelihoods, and the domestic food supply ahead of new regulations effective by the end of 2026. With two confirmed H5 detections but no poultry outbreaks, the government emphasizes strong biosecurity as a key defense and encourages applications by 30 September 2026.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Kiwi poultry operators H5 bird flu Poultry Biosecurity Grant New Zealand government biosecurity regulations poultry farms avian influenza poultry sector grant fundingNew $1.5M Poultry Biosecurity Grant to Help Kiwis Prepare for H5 Bird Flu
1 week ago | 328 viewsThe New Zealand Government has launched a $1.5 million Poultry Biosecurity Grant to help small to medium-sized poultry operators prepare for the possible arrival of H5 bird flu by funding up to 50% of costs for biosecurity improvements. This grant supports infrastructure upgrades, bird-proofing, cleaning facilities, and development of required biosecurity plans ahead of new regulations effective by the end of 2026. With two confirmed H5 detections but no poultry outbreaks, the initiative aims to protect jobs, food supply, and the poultry sector from this ongoing biosecurity threat.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Kiwi poultry operators H5 bird flu Poultry Biosecurity Grant New Zealand government biosecurity regulations poultry farms avian influenza poultry sector grant funding$1 Million Fund Launched to Support Community Wilding Pine Control in NZ
2 weeks ago | 203 viewsBiosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced a new $1 million, two-year community funding programme to support grassroots wilding pine control projects, supplementing a $109 million national investment over three years. Wilding pines threaten farmland, water supplies, native biodiversity, and increase wildfire risks, making both national coordination and local action essential. Expressions of interest for the funding will open later this year to empower volunteers, landowners, and community groups in controlling infestations.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Wilding Pine Conference Biosecurity Minister National Wilding Conifer Control Programme wilding pine control community funding programme New Zealand rural landowners biodiversity wildfiresNew Biosecurity Regulations to Protect Poultry Farmers from H5 Bird Flu Risks
4 weeks ago | 338 viewsThe Government is introducing mandatory biosecurity regulations for poultry farms with over 100 birds to manage H5 bird flu, requiring farm-specific plans, record-keeping, and audits to protect livelihoods and food supply. These regulations, approved by Cabinet and developed with industry cooperation, aim to enhance on-farm readiness and provide flexibility in managing infection risks while ensuring humane practices. The new rules, supported by industry feedback, will be implemented by the end of 2026 to safeguard poultry, trade, wildlife, and public health.
Tags: biosecurity H5 bird flu poultry farmers Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister MPI poultry sector farm biosecurity plan Biosecurity Act 1993 wild birdsNew Biosecurity Rules to Help Poultry Farmers Manage H5 Bird Flu Risks
4 weeks ago | 421 viewsThe Government is introducing mandatory biosecurity regulations for poultry operators with over 100 birds to manage H5 bird flu, requiring farm biosecurity plans, record-keeping, audits, and clear response strategies. These regulations aim to enhance on-farm readiness, protect farmers' livelihoods, secure the domestic food supply, and mitigate risks from widespread infection in wild birds. Developed in collaboration with industry and supported by MPI, the regulations will be finalized and implemented by the end of 2026.
Tags: biosecurity H5 bird flu poultry farmers Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister MPI poultry sector farm biosecurity plan Biosecurity Act 1993 wild birdsGovernment Launches AI Tool to Modernise New Zealand's Import Health Standards
1 month ago | 348 viewsThe New Zealand Government is developing and piloting a new AI tool to modernize the import health standard process while maintaining strict biosecurity protections. This tool aims to streamline the creation of biosecurity rules for imported goods, freeing up staff time and ensuring high-quality, evidence-based standards without compromising safety. The broader reform program seeks to reduce red tape, support farmers and growers, and enhance export growth by enabling smarter approvals and fewer unnecessary restrictions.
Tags: New Zealand Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity AI tool import health standards generative artificial intelligence plant import system trade innovation farmgate returns food and fibre sectorFirst H5 Bird Flu Case Detected in New Zealand Seabird; Public Advised to Stay Alert
1 month ago | 331 viewsA brown skua found on Petone beach in Wellington tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza strain, marking New Zealand's first detection of this globally circulating bird flu, though there is no evidence of wider spread or poultry infection. Authorities, including MPI and the Department of Conservation, are closely monitoring the situation, urging the public to report groups of sick or dead birds without handling them, while continuing biosecurity measures and vaccination programs for endangered native birds. New Zealand remains prepared to protect poultry production and wildlife, emphasizing that eggs and poultry meat are safe to eat and maintaining ongoing surveillance and industry collaboration.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister Ministry for Primary Industries Department of Conservation Health New Zealand Poultry Council kākāpō takahē kakī kākāriki karakaInnovative Submersible Dredge Planer Tackles Invasive Caulerpa Seaweed in NZ
1 month ago | 372 viewsThe submersible dredge planer (SDP), a remotely operated device developed by Northland Regional Council and Johnson Brothers Ltd, has successfully passed recent tests for removing invasive caulerpa seaweed in Omākiwi Cove. This custom-designed equipment, part of a $10 million initiative including UV-C light treatment and a chlorine sealing system, features unique screw propulsion for effective operation on sandy seabeds and is ready for deployment despite current low seaweed presence. The SDP represents a significant advancement in New Zealand’s biosecurity efforts, offering scalable mechanical removal capabilities adaptable to other invasive species in various aquatic environments.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Johnson Brothers Ltd Northland Regional Council Biosecurity New Zealand Cawthron Institute Ngāti Kuta Patukeha Omākiwi Cove Bay of Islands Number 8 wireNew Research Projects Boost Efforts to Eradicate Yellow-Legged Hornet in NZ
2 months ago | 436 viewsFour new research projects led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute will support Biosecurity New Zealand's efforts to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet, focusing on risk modeling, impact assessment, targeted communication with Māori communities, and readiness planning for the apiculture sector. Since the hornet's detection in Auckland last year, 77 queens and 132 nests have been removed, with no sightings since early April, but ongoing surveillance and public vigilance remain crucial. Funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, these projects aim to enhance eradication strategies and prepare for potential long-term management.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute Auckland Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Maiangi Taiao Māori communities apiculture sectorNew Zealand Prepares for Bird Flu Arrival: Biosecurity Measures and Safety Tips
2 months ago | 542 viewsNew Zealand is actively preparing for the potential arrival of the H5N1 bird flu strain, collaborating across government agencies and local councils while urging the public to adopt strong biosecurity measures. Recent detections of the virus in migratory seabirds in Western Australia highlight the risk, prompting close monitoring and communication with Australian authorities. Citizens are advised to watch for signs of illness in birds, maintain cleanliness, avoid contact with wild birds, and report multiple sick or dead birds to authorities, with the human health risk currently assessed as low.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister Ministry for Primary Industries Department of Conservation Ministry of Health Health New Zealand H5N1 bird flu avian influenza Australian authoritiesGovernment Boosts $79M to Combat Wilding Pines and Protect Rural NZ
3 months ago | 564 viewsThe Government is investing an additional $79 million over three years to combat the spread of wilding pines, which threaten farmland, water supplies, biodiversity, and increase wildfire risks across more than two million hectares in New Zealand. This funding boost supports the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme and partners including regional councils, iwi, farmers, and volunteers to enhance rural productivity and long-term community resilience. Additionally, MPI will develop a National Pest Management Plan to improve coordination and establish consistent rules for ongoing wilding pine control.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister New Zealand wilding pines National Wilding Conifer Control Programme Budget 2026 MPI Canterbury Otago MarlboroughAuckland Yellow-Legged Hornet Eradication On Track, Public Urged to Stay Alert
3 months ago | 597 viewsBiosecurity New Zealand’s eradication efforts against the yellow-legged hornet in Auckland are progressing well, with no sightings for over six weeks and hornets confined to a small area. The response is entering a monitoring phase through winter, focusing on trapping and preparation for potential hornet re-emergence in spring, while urging public vigilance and caution during outdoor activities. The operation, praised internationally and supported by extensive public reporting, began last November and remains intensive to ensure complete eradication.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity New Zealand Auckland hornet eradication North Shore pest control biosecurity response invasive species public reportingGovernment Enhances Plant Variety Rights to Boost NZ Exports and Growers' Income
3 months ago | 604 viewsThe New Zealand Government is strengthening the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 to better protect investments in high-value horticulture, support growers, and boost export returns, particularly for kiwifruit and apples. Key changes include extending the PVR term by five years and restoring provisional protection to allow breeders immediate legal action against exploitation during the application process. These measures aim to encourage innovation, secure jobs, and enhance New Zealand’s competitiveness in global markets.
Tags: Todd McClay Cameron Brewer New Zealand Plant Variety Rights Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit horticulture Biosecurity Science Institute kiwifruit industryNew Zealand Tests Foot and Mouth Disease Readiness with Farm Simulations
3 months ago | 736 viewsNew Zealand will test its foot and mouth disease readiness through upcoming simulations, including Exercise Farm Gate in May and Exercise Cloven Shield in July, led by the Ministry for Primary Industries. These exercises aim to rehearse responses from on-farm detection to national governance, strengthening biosecurity systems to protect the economy and communities. The government emphasizes the importance of preparedness given the potentially massive economic impact of an outbreak, estimated at up to $14.3 billion annually without action.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard New Zealand Biosecurity Minister Ministry for Primary Industries MPI Exercise Farm Gate Exercise Cloven Shield Taranaki foot and mouth disease Government Industry AgreementNew Zealand Reviews Ruminant Protein Rules to Protect $4.9B Beef Export
3 months ago | 608 viewsNew Zealand is reviewing its Biosecurity (Ruminant Protein) Regulations 1999 to prevent BSE (mad cow disease) from entering its cattle and protect the $4.9 billion beef export sector. The review focuses on preventing cross contamination and accidental exposure to ruminant protein in cattle feed, which is crucial for maintaining the country's negligible-risk status recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard emphasizes that getting the regulations right is vital for keeping international markets open, with public consultation running from April 28 to June 12.
Tags: New Zealand Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity ruminant protein regulations BSE mad cow disease beef export World Organisation for Animal Health prion diseases cattle