A new inflight biosecurity video is being rolled out to international airlines with a clear warning to passengers about their responsibility to protect New Zealand’s environment and primary industries.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the updated video reinforces the need for travellers to declare or dispose of risk items such as food, plants and animal products before arriving in the country.
The message highlights the serious threat posed by pests and diseases including foot and mouth disease and the brown marmorated stink bug, which could put New Zealand’s $60 billion primary sector export revenue at risk.
The video also provides step-by-step guidance on completing the New Zealand Traveller Declaration to ensure smoother and more effective border screening.
Biosecurity New Zealand has distributed the new video to international airlines to replace the previous version, which has been shown on flights since 2019 and is viewed by more than six million passengers each year. While retaining a friendly tone, the refreshed video features updated content, new presenters and appearances by biosecurity officers alongside guests including Young Farmer of the Year Hugh Jackson, Young Māori Grower of the Year Grace Rehu, and champion kayaker and biosecurity ambassador Ashton Reiser.
The video supports airlines in meeting their legal obligations under biosecurity regulations introduced in 2023, which require most international flights to provide biosecurity information before arrival.
Hoggard said the video forms part of wider preparations for increased summer travel, including the recruitment of additional frontline border staff, expanded processing space at Auckland Airport, and new passenger risk assessment methods aimed at improving both biosecurity protection and passenger flow.
Awww dont worry after the Gene Tech Bill passes, the biggest risk to anyone or anything, will be coming here to start with. Toxic paradise.