About the National Direction
The National Policy Direction for Pest Management (the National Direction) aims to improve the alignment and consistency of pest management plans and programmes across New Zealand.
The National Direction:
- sets out the framework for developing national and regional pest or pathway management plans and small-scale management programmes
- clarifies the Biosecurity Act's requirements for these plans
- ensures that plans are aligned and consistent, both nationally and regionally
- outlines the requirements for developing good neighbour rules (to manage pests spilling across boundaries) in regional pest management plans.
The National Direction has 6 sections:
- setting objectives
- programme description
- analysing benefits and costs
- proposed allocation of costs
- good neighbour rules
- timing of an inconsistency determination.
Download the National Policy Direction for Pest Management [PDF, 6.8 MB]
Guidance to help understand and comply
A guidance document is available. Meeting the Requirements of the National Policy Direction for Pest Management 2015 provides practical information on how to understand and comply with the National Direction when drafting pest and pathway management plans and small-scale management programmes. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) worked with regional councils, the Department of Conservation and Land Information New Zealand to develop the document.
Download the guidance document [PDF, 791 KB]
Who is the National Direction for?
The National Direction is for regional councils and pest management agencies.
When they develop pest and pathway management plans and small-scale management programmes, they'll need to ensure their plans are consistent with the National Direction and Part 5 of the Biosecurity Act 1993.
Read Part 5 of the Biosecurity Act – NZ Legislation website
Why is the National Direction needed?
A nationwide review of pest management practices found that there was no national direction or systematic approach for developing pest management plans and programmes.
This resulted in variations and inconsistencies in plans and programmes across New Zealand, and in some cases increased costs to landowners, regional councils, and pest management agencies.
The National Direction aims to improve pest management outcomes through greater consistency and more efficient use of resources.
Development of the National Direction
MPI consulted on the draft of the National Direction in 2014. It was amended in response to submissions and came into force on 24 September 2015.
Download National Direction – Regulatory Impact Statement [PDF, 158 KB]
Download National Direction – Analysis of Submissions [PDF, 202 KB]
Who has pest management plans?
If a harmful organism establishes in New Zealand, the Biosecurity Act 1993 allows for national and regional pest and pathway management plans and small-scale management programmes detail how to manage the organism.
All regional councils have regional pest management plans and 3 industry groups (Kiwifruit Vine Health, Apiculture New Zealand and OSPRI New Zealand) have national pest management plans for pests and diseases that affect their respective industries.
As at 6 April 2017, there is one pathway management plan in place, the Fiordland Marine Regional Pathway Management Plan. They are being considered in other regions as well.
- Learn more about MPI's work in pest management
- Read about the law supporting biosecurity in New Zealand
Who to contact
If you have questions about the National Direction, email info@mpi.govt.nz
