Biosecurity

In Marlborough we are faced with ongoing control of many pest species that were the result of historic introductions, eg; rabbits, Nassella tussock. Other pests, such as Didemnum vexillum, also known as Whangamata sea squirt, in the waters of the Marlborough Sounds, are more recent arrivals.

Council has been managing a range of pest species for quite some time, but this has traditionally focused on pests in primary producing sectors, especially farming. However, managing pests today has a much broader focus, with the protection of human health and of our indigenous terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments becoming increasingly important.

Present and Future Management

The effects on the economy and environment of unwanted organisms entering New Zealand are potentially significant. Because of this, a lead role in dealing with biosecurity issues is taken by central government, particularly by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. A significant role of the ministry, through Biosecurity New Zealand, is in preventing unwanted pests and diseases coming into New Zealand.

Controlling, managing or eradicating unwanted exotic species before they reach New Zealand, at the border, or after entering New Zealand is undertaken by Biosecurity New Zealand. Marlborough District Council helps out Biosecurity New Zealand by providing a link with the wider community, especially in providing information eg; how to minimise the risk of spreading didymo.

MAF Biosecurity

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand is the division of MAF charged with leadership of the New Zealand biosecurity system. It encompasses facilitating international trade, protecting the health of New Zealanders and ensuring the welfare of our environment, flora and fauna, marine life and Maori resources.

National Pest Plant Accord

The National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA) is a cooperative agreement between the Nursery and Garden Industry Association, regional councils and government departments with biosecurity responsibilities.

All plants on the NPPA are unwanted organisms under the Biosecurity Act 1993. These plants cannot be sold, propagated or distributed in New Zealand.

For more information or to search for pest plants see the NPPA website.

Found something?

To report suspected pests or disease in animals, plants, fish or bees call MAF Biosecurity on Ph: 0800 80 99 66.

Alternatively you can call Marlborough District Council's Biosecurity officers on Ph: 520 7400.

TB Free New Zealand

Bovine Turberculosis (TB) is a disease that adversely affects cattle and deer, thereby impacting on farm productivity and threatening NZ international trade. The major source of Tb infection is through wildlife like possums and ferret as vectors. Bovine Tb is subject to a National Pest management strategy in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 1993. The Animal Health Board is responsible for managing the strategy.

The international standard for TB freedom is reached when 99.8% of domestic cattle and deer herds have been free of bovine TB for three years. This figure has been set by the Office World Organisation for Animal Health.

Nearly all of New Zealand’s major international trading partners have attained this standard of TB freedom, but unfortunately, we continue to have a relatively high level of TB infection.

The aim of New Zealand’s TB control programme is to achieve official TB free status by 2013. This goal was endorsed by farmers, industry and local and central government, who want to protect our reputation as a supplier of safe, high quality meat and dairy products.

For more information on bovine TB see the TB Free New Zealand website.