FAQs related to Plants & Plant Products
New Zealand produce, once it leaves this country, is exposed to pests or diseases in a foreign country. By bringing it back to New Zealand, there is a risk that the produce has been contaminated and would introduce such pests as fruit fly.
No. Popping corn in its natural form is a viable seed, and as such can introduce serious seed-borne diseases that might affect our maize and corn crops.
Popcorn in sealed microwave packs is allowed to come into NZ.
Honey is a product made by insects. It is completely natural and has not been through a sterilising process.
Honey is a potential carrier of bee diseases. New Zealand produces more than twenty million dollars worth of bee products each year - and the industry is worth a lot more to us. Fruit trees, flowers and vegetable crops rely on bees for pollination. If our bees became diseased it would have a severe impact on our agricultural and horticultural industries.
Please do not bring honey to New Zealand.
Fruit fly is established in many of our neighbouring countries, for example, Queensland, Australia. It would take only one infected mango to introduce this pest to New Zealand, but it would have a disastrous impact on our fruit exports and domestic production.
Seeds and bulbs: Bulbs are regarded as nursery stock and can carry a variety of diseases. They can only come into New Zealand with a permit.
Contact :
Biosecurity New Zealand,
Plants and Plant Products Imports,
PO Box 2526,
Wellington.
Phone: +64 4 894 0832
Fax: +64 4 894 0662
Email: plantimports@maf.govt.nz
Restrictions on seeds vary depending on the type and species. All seeds must be commercially packaged and require their full scientific name printed on the packet. Some may be allowed in providing they are free of insect pests, others are totally prohibited or may require specific treatment. This is because of the risk of introducing foreign disease or the seeds or bulbs becoming a weed.
Nursery stock, cut flowers and cuttings: Depending on the species and country of origin, these may be allowed, restricted, or totally prohibited. If a phytosanitary certificate is obtained in the country of origin, these items may be allowed into New Zealand. It is not possible to get a certificate after arrival here. For more information ask us.
You will need an Import Permit.
Contact:
Biosecurity New Zealand,
Plants and Plant Product Imports,
PO Box 2526,
Wellington.
Phone: +64 4 894 0832
Fax: +64 4 894 0662
Email: plantimports@maf.govt.nz