Our Biosecurity
Our ambition is for New Zealand to be protected from invasive biological threats.
The unique diversity of life in Aotearoa and our ability to live off the land are constantly threatened by invasive weeds, pests and diseases. From insatiable possums to tenacious weeds, controlling these threats and maintaining our biosecurity require vigilance, innovation and commitment.
Manaaki Whenua will need to be innovative and explore new and challenging areas of science to help meet Predator Free 2050 and Biosecurity 2025 goals. Our research focuses on border security for early detection and prevention, and already-established control methods for invasives. Innovative technologies can provide great opportunities, but in our research we also recognise the need to understand the social licence for new and emerging control methods, requiring a focus on effective engagement with New Zealand communities.
We work with a wide range of government, Māori, community and private sector groups to achieve biosecurity goals for New Zealand, as well as contributing to major national initiatives such as Better Border Biosecurity and Predator Free New Zealand.