How to report an exotic pest or disease
- Freephone our exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66, or
- Use the online report form
Contact MPI as soon as you've found something
Delay can make it harder for us to investigate.
Photograph it and catch it, if it's safe
Photos will help the specialist interpret your finding.
Photography tips
- Place the finding against a white background.
- Include a common object for scale (such as a 10 cent piece).
- Use the default settings on your phone's camera.
- Don't zoom in or add filters.
Watch our guide to photographing biosecurity suspects (3.45) – YouTube
What to expect when you contact us
If you call us, our team:
- will answer your call
- record your contact details and details of your finding
- pass your details to a specialist.
If you call or make an online report, the specialist will:
- contact you to discuss your finding
- may ask you to send in photos.
Find-a-pest app
With the Find-a-Pest app, you can learn more about pests in your industry or New Zealand. It's also another way to easily report any potential pest sightings.
Why we need you to report exotic pests and diseases
Early detection of harmful new pests and diseases is a vital part of our biosecurity system. Every New Zealander has a responsibility to be vigilant for and report suspected new organisms.
We need you to be extra vigilant when coming home from overseas or opening international mail because these are common pathways for unwanted pests to enter New Zealand.
Biosecurity New Zealand has a dedicated team of specialists to investigate and respond to all suspicious findings.
It's the law to report unusual organisms
New Zealanders are expected to report unusual organisms to MPI. Unusual organisms are those that appear to be something not normally seen in New Zealand.
Notifiable organisms are those that could seriously harm New Zealand's primary production or our trade and market access. If you spot a notifiable organism, you have a legal obligation under the Biosecurity Act 1993 (section 44 and 46) to tell MPI. If you think you've spotted one, call the pests-and-diseases hotline on 0800 80 99 66 or report it online.
Refer to section 44 of the Biosecurity Act – NZ Legislation
Refer to section 46 of the Biosecurity Act – NZ Legislation
Find out more
Priority pests and diseases we want to keep out of New Zealand
The importers' pest register for notifiable organisms
