Handling unwanted organisms: getting permission

Before handling a suspected unwanted organism, check to see if it's listed as an unwanted organism in the ONZPR.

Official New Zealand Pest Register (ONZPR)

You will also need to check if the organism is listed as a pest in the regional pest management plan (RPMP) where your proposed activity will take place. Ensure you have the correct approval from the regional council attached to your application.

Find your council – Local Government New Zealand

If you're unsure of the status of an organism or if you have questions relating to your proposed activity, we can provide advice.

Email info@mpi.govt.nz

If the organism is listed as an unwanted organism in the ONZPR, you'll need to fill out an application form to get permission to move, sell, breed, exhibit or release it.

Application form to move an unwanted organism [DOCX, 118 KB] 

The permission application should include details on:

• the unwanted organism status and its adverse effects or impacts
• the reason for the activity and the organisations or individuals involved
• details on the collection and handling of the unwanted organism (including disposal)
• information on the outcome of consultation with potentially affected parties
• approvals related to the activity (such as regional pest management plan exemptions or Environmental Protection Agency approvals).

Instructions with further detail are included in the application form.

Submit your completed application form

You can email your application and supporting information to info@mpi.govt.nz

We’ll let you know if we need more information. If we do, there could be a delay in processing your application.

After you've submitted your application, we'll assess it and check that it:

• has a biosecurity benefit or outcome
• the handling methods proposed are suitable to the level of risk of the proposed activity
• is consistent with the purpose that you have applied for
• it includes the outcomes of consultation with potentially affected parties.

Our assessment process can take up to a month. We'll let you know if it might take longer.

If your permission is approved, we’ll send out the document detailing our decision and the permission with conditions. You need to make sure you:

• understand and follow all conditions of the permission
• keep a copy of the permissions with you whenever undertaking the activity.

If your permission application is declined, we'll tell you why. If it gets declined, you can change your proposal and submit it again for assessment.