Report any threats you see
Whenever you're outdoors be on the lookout for pest species. If you spot something you think is a biological risk:
- take a photo or a sample
- call our pest-and-disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 when you get home.
Tips for spotting pests
You can use these resources to help confirm a pest sighting but it's not required. An MPI expert can do the identification for you.
Weeds and bugs
These online databases can help identify pests affecting farms and native environments.
- Weeds and pests affecting New Zealand pastures – AgPest website
- Key to the weed species of New Zealand – Landcare Research website
Animal pests
The National Pest Control Agency's (NPCA) websites have guidelines for identifying vertebrate pests and controlling them.
- Identify the presence of pest animals – NPCA's Pest Detective website
- NPCA best practice guides for controlling vertebrate pests – Bionet website
Marine pests and diseases
References to help you identify marine pests and discover where they've been found so far.
If in any doubt, call our pest-and-disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Help stop the spread of pests and diseases
While you're in the outdoors, you can take steps to stop the spread of unwanted organisms.
Check, Clean, Dry if moving between waterways
Freshwater pests, including didymo, could destroy New Zealand's rivers and lakes. If you are moving between waterways, you must clean all your gear using the 'Check, Clean, Dry' method.
Be aware of kauri dieback and stop its spread
Kauri dieback is an invasive disease that kills kauri trees. There is no known treatment. It spreads with soil movement, including on footwear and vehicles.
If you hunt in an area with native trees, you can help stop the spread of the disease. Clean soil off your vehicle, footwear and gear after you enter or leave the area.
Transporting wallabies orphaned by hunting
There are some specific rules to cover the transportation of wallaby joeys orphaned through hunting.
There's a generic permission in place under the Biosecurity Act 1993 to cover wallaby joeys orphaned through hunting. By following certain conditions, hunters can transport Bennett's wallaby joeys to the wallaby park at Enkledoovery Korna, Waimate.
The generic permission document outlines the different conditions you need to be aware of if you plan to transport Bennett's wallaby joeys.
- Download the permission document [PDF, 256 KB]
- Find out more about hunting wallabies in New Zealand – DOC website
Who to contact
If you have questions about biosecurity when hunting and gathering, email info@mpi.govt.nz
