A new in-flight biosecurity video will remind international visitors about the importance of protecting Aotearoa New Zealand from unwanted pests and diseases.
Biosecurity New Zealand today launched the video that will play to arriving passengers on all airlines with screen capacity.
Head of Biosecurity New Zealand, Roger Smith, says all visitors to the country and Kiwis returning home can help protect New Zealand from harmful pests and diseases.
“The new in-flight video provides a clear message about what everyone’s responsibilities are when arriving here. The simple lesson is, if you're unsure about an item you’ve got – declare it.
“Things like the Queensland fruit fly and brown marmorated stink bug have the potential to cause significant damage to our primary sector, our environment, and to our unique way of life.”
There are 2 versions of the video – one in English and one for Chinese airlines in Mandarin.
The videos feature Auckland-based quarantine officers Fin and Kenneth (Chinese version) who can usually be found on the ground at Auckland International Airport.
Detector dog, Darwin the beagle, has a starring role in the video. Darwin and handler Mikkiie work on the front-line sniffing out items that aren't allowed here.
Mr Smith says he is pleased the majority of airlines that fly into the country have agreed to play the video.
“United Airlines was the first airline to start playing it, and others with the capability to show videos on board quickly followed.”
The video is part of a wider Biosecurity New Zealand programme focused on protecting Aotearoa. The video supports the biosecurity movement 'Ko Tātou This Is Us'.
“'Ko Tātou This Is Us' highlights the personal connection we all have to the land, rivers, lakes, and sea that nourish and provide for us,” Mr Smith says.
The new in-flight biosecurity video is translated into 12 different languages, including Hindi, Malay, Arabic, Korean and French. It has been translated into Bilsama, a national language in Vanuatu spoken by many seasonal workers.
Watch the video (1.24)
Transcript – show/hide
Welcome to Aotearoa
00:05 Narrator: "Our country.
00:06 Our lakes, rivers, lands and seas.
00:09 Our home.
00:12 This fragile place is all we’ve got.
00:15 It’s vulnerable to pests and diseases.
00:17 That’s why we guard it, as if our way of life depends on it…
00:21 Because it does.
00:23 But we need your help.
00:24 Fruits, vegetables and eggs like these can’t be brought into New Zealand.
00:29 Nor can meat, honey, cooking ingredients, herbs, and seeds or spices…
00:34 Or anything made of plants or wood.
00:36 All these items can carry unwanted pests or diseases that could destroy our natural environment.
00:41 Put any items you aren’t sure about in the airport amnesty bins.
00:46 Used outdoor equipment is a problem too.
00:48 If in doubt, declare it for inspection, on the arrival card.
00:53 Or ask a biosecurity officer like me.
00:55 Because once you arrive, your bags may be x-rayed and inspected.
00:59 And if you haven’t declared, you’ll be fined $400.
01:05 As a visitor here, I’ll be asking one thing of you:
01:08 Look after it.
01:10 Protect it.
01:11 Declare or dispose risk items. Avoid a $400 fine."
[End of transcript]