Frequently Asked Questions

Could didymo spread to lakes throughout New Zealand?

Yes. Although didymo prefers a river environment with clear water flowing over stable substrate at depths sufficient for light penetration to drive photosynthesis, blooms have been found in South Island Lakes. Lake Wakatipu, for example, contains visible didymo on some parts of the lake shore.

Is Gum leaf skeletoniser dangerous?

The gum leaf skeletoniser caterpillar is covered with protective spines that sting and may cause irritation. The stiff spines are hollow and contain venom, which can be injected into the human skin upon contact. This often results in local pain (sometimes severe) and welts (swollen patches on the skin) that tend to become itchy. The reaction to gum leaf skeletoniser may last for many days. Note that the spines of dead caterpillars or on shed skin retain their ability to sting.

In case of reaction to gum leaf skeletoniser caterpillars, the following first aid is advisable:

Apply ice packs to the exposed area.
In case of eye contact, wash area thoroughly and seek medical attention.
If ingestion of caterpillar occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
If symptoms develop beyond the immediate area of the sting (e.g. widespread rash, shortness of breath or collapse) call an ambulance straight away.

Biosecurity NZ has prepared fact sheets providing more specific public health information:

For further information, see Derraik JGB. 2006. Erucism in New Zealand: exposure to gum leaf skeletoniser (Uraba lugens) caterpillars in the differential diagnosis of contact dermatitis in the Auckland region. New Zealand Medical Journal 119 (1241)

I sell plants that have been included on the National Pest Plant Accord, what does this mean for me?

When a new species is added, the Steering Group members discuss options to minimise or mitigate impacts of the ban. At the least there will be a six month phase out period where regional councils will advise outlets of the ban. Some species, if there is an acceptable level of risk, will be notified as being intended to be included in the Accord from a certain date. These species will not be announced to the public, but will give outlets a chance to minimise losses of sales.

Is the public aware they cannot import untreated bee products into New Zealand?

New Zealand’s border controls are the tightest in the world, including passenger declaration forms, signs, 100% baggage x-raying, the detector dog system and questioning by biosecurity inspectors at the border, and the system for notifying commercial importers of the current import health standards. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand already invests heavily in publicity about the risks of bringing in personal consignments of honey and communicating with commercial importers. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand is confident that these systems will continue to manage the risks posed by illegal importation of honey by the general public and by commercial importers.

Commercial importers and the public already attempt to illegally import honey into New Zealand, and the MAFBNZ Clearance Service seizes significant volumes of honey at the border. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand assumes that this will still be the case when Australian honey can be imported into New Zealand.

Can I bring in food and animal products that have been processed?

Because there are so many different types of food and animals products please contact MAF Biosecurity New Zealand Clearance Service directly.

When was Deformed wing virus found?

A beekeeper notified Biosecurity New Zealand in late February via the Exotic Pest and Disease 0800 number (0800 80 99 66). The disease was confirmed by a new Polymerase Chain Reaction test, which analyses genetic material, developed and implemented at the Investigation and Diagnostic Centre in Wallaceville. It is the first laboratory confirmation of the virus in New Zealand.

What is the aim of the MAF Biosecurity New Zealand Detector Dog Programme?

The dogs are used to detect items of quarantine concern. They are trained to search baggages, mail and cargo to locate undeclared or forgotten agricultural products.

What goods can be imported into New Zealand?

A wide range of goods can be imported into New Zealand. Certain goods will have to meet specific import conditions before clearance.

To check if you can import a particular item you will need to refer to the relevant Import Health Standard.

Do I need to appoint a Deputy Operator?

Under the TF Gen, if you are an Operator of more than one facility, the facility where you don't have direct day to day management should have a deputy Operator. Deputy operators are also required to take the Operator training course.

Where an Operator is intending to be away for any length of time, and a facility is receiving risk goods during this time of absence, the facility may require a Deputy Operator. If volumes of risk goods being received are low and an Operator is still contactable (eg by phone) then a deputy may not be necessary. Check with an Inspector if you are unsure.

What should I do if I find a painted apple moth?

If you find a painted apple moth, call 0800 96 96 96 immediately.