10 Tips to Protect New Zealand’s Native Wildlife and Natural Habitats from Invasive Species and Diseases

Invasive species and diseases are a major threat to New Zealand’s native wildlife and natural habitats. Here are 10 tips to help protect them:

1. Be aware of the risks.

Invasive species and diseases can pose a serious threat to New Zealand’s native wildlife and natural habitats. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the risks before you travel or trade.

2. Check your gear.

Before you travel, check your gear for any plant or animal material that could harbour an invasive species or disease. This includes things like dirt, mud, straw, hay, wood, leaves, seeds and fruit.

3. Clean your gear.

Thoroughly clean your gear before you travel, to remove any plant or animal material that could harbour an invasive species or disease.

4. Disinfect your gear.

Disinfect your gear with a suitable product before you travel, to kill any harmful organisms that could be present.

5. Don’t bring anything in.

Don’t bring anything into New Zealand that could harbour an invasive species or disease. This includes plant or animal material, as well as soil, water, wood, straw, hay and other organic matter.

6. Don’t take anything out.

Don’t take anything out of New Zealand that could harbour an invasive species or disease. This includes plant or animal material, as well as soil, water, wood, straw, hay and other organic matter.

7. Don’t release anything into the wild.

Don’t release anything into the wild that could become an invasive species or disease. This includes plant or animal material, as well as soil, water, wood, straw, hay and other organic matter.

8. Report anything unusual.

If you see anything unusual while you’re out and about, report it to the appropriate authority. This could be a plant or animal that you think may be an invasive species, or signs of a disease in plants or animals.

9. Be biosecure.

When you’re on your property, make sure you’re practising good biosecurity. This means keeping your property free of anything that could harbour an invasive species or disease.

10. Do your part.

You can help protect New Zealand’s native wildlife and natural habitats from invasive species and diseases by doing your part. Be aware of the risks, clean your gear, don’t bring anything in or take anything out, and report anything unusual.