Biosecurity
MoRST’s role in policy development for biosecurity is outlined in the introduction to the Environment section.
What is biosecurity?
Biosecurity refers to measures that protect New Zealand's economy, environment and people from exotic pests and diseases. It includes preventing new pests and diseases arriving, and eradicating or controlling those already here.
New Zealand is an isolated country with an agriculture-dependent economy and many native plant and animal species to protect. As international travel and trade increase, so do challenges to control our borders and keep pests and diseases from entering.
What’s happening in Government?
The scope of biosecurity has expanded from its traditional focus on protection of primary production and trade, to cover human health and natural environments. For this reason a Biosecurity Strategy is being developed for New Zealand, with completion expected this year.
What's the role of research, science and technology in biosecurity?
Biosecurity research is vital to building our capacity to exclude, eradicate and control unwanted organisms. Most of New Zealand's biosecurity research is funded by: