A major new biosecurity laboratory is under construction in Auckland as part of a long-term investment aimed at protecting New Zealand’s primary industries and supporting economic growth.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop visited the Mt Albert Research Centre this week to mark progress on the new Plant Health and Environment Laboratory.
The facility is being built to replace the Ministry for Primary Industries’ ageing Tāmaki laboratory and will provide expanded capacity for plant pest and disease surveillance, diagnostics and emergency response. Ministers say the new centre is designed to support New Zealand’s biosecurity system for at least the next five decades.
Hoggard said the laboratory would play a critical role in protecting both the environment and the economy, particularly the food and fibre sector, which generates more than $60 billion annually and accounts for over 80 percent of the country’s goods exports. He said maintaining strong biosecurity protections was essential to preserving access to overseas markets and achieving the Government’s goal of doubling export value by 2034.
Bishop said the project represented a significant milestone in the Government’s infrastructure programme, delivering a world-class scientific facility while creating hundreds of construction jobs. Once completed, the laboratory is expected to be among the most advanced biosecurity centres in Australasia.
Site preparation and foundation work has been completed, with the building structure now taking shape. The project is being delivered by Crown Infrastructure Delivery, with Southbase Construction as the lead contractor.
Construction is due to be completed in 2028, with the facility expected to become operational in early 2029.
Image credit: Getty Images
