Biosecurity
Bonamia parasite threatening Bluff oyster industry again
The infectious organism is not harmful to people, but could devastate the region's flat oyster industry as it did in the early 1990s and the early 2000s. Audio
Pōhutukawa hedge destroyed as myrtle rust spreads
Myrtle rust is continuing to spread in Taranaki, with the fungal disease found in established pōhutukawa for the first time.
Northland nursery cleared of myrtle rust
The first property found with the potentially devastating plant disease has been cleared to reopen.
Dairy farmers warned of moving day pest risk
Dairy farmers are being warned to be careful not to spread pests and diseases as they move between farms next week.
Myrtle rust: New rules for 50 plant nurseries across NZ
Up to 50 plant nurseries must follow new hygiene rules as the government tries to contain the spread of a deadly disease for pōhutukawa, feijoa and rata.
Auckland myrtle rust test negative
A plant nursery in South Auckland has tested negative for a potentially devastating disease that can kill pōhutukawa, feijoa and rātā.
New fungal disease threatens pohutukawa, manuka and feijoa
Myrtle rust, which damages trees including pohutukawa, manuka and feijoa, has been found on mainland New Zealand for the first time.
Snake hitches ride across the Tasman
Auckland Airport staff used a bucket to catch a snake, which arrived in a private jet from Brisbane.
Woman caught smuggling cat into NZ in handbag
A Canadian woman has been barred from entering the country after declaring dirty boots but not the cat she had in her handbag.
New sniffer-dog breed to protect borders
Officials hope these pups, with the charm of a beagle and the height of a harrier, will be the best biosecurity dogs yet.
Rare gecko's smuggling ordeal over
A rare native gecko has been returned to Otago after being smuggled out of the country three years ago.
Palm kernel shipment banned from NZ
A shipment of palm kernel which has been anchored off Tauranga for over a month has been banned from entering New Zealand.
MPI still investigating palm kernel shipment
The Ministry for Primary Industries is still investigating a shipment of palm kernel anchored off Tauranga and has again said it hopes to make a decision as to what happens next within days.
Pea weevil spotted in Canterbury
Crop growers are confident a pea weevil found in Canterbury is dead, following a two-year ban on the crop in Wairarapa due to the pest.
Northland 'losing war' against wild ginger
The Northland Regional Council is suggesting introducing new insects to fight the spread of wild ginger, which is threatening native plants.
Lake snot the 'new didymo'
An algal slime known as lake snot is invading some of New Zealand's most iconic lakes, triggering a new study - starting today - to track its spread. Audio
Willow pest moving on to new tasty delights
The potentially devastating giant willow aphid is moving to other hosts as well, including apple trees.
MPI has beef with woman's lucky tooth
An airline passenger carrying a lucky tooth was fined when MPI found it came from a cow.
Pests Are Everywhere
The New Zealand Biosecurity Institute says says sleeper pests are everywhere. It's not just possums, ferrets, cats and rats causing problems to our native flora and fauna but newer introduced pests… Audio, Gallery
Johnny Depp throws out insults at Barnaby Joyce over his dogs
Actor Johnny Depp takes a swipe at Barnaby Joyce after he threatened his dogs which slipped into Australia in breach of biosecurity laws. Audio
