Biosecurity

Biosecurity encompasses many of the issues that currently have or could in the future have an impact on New Zealanders, our environment and our economy. A good starting place for information is the official government website Biosecurity New Zealand. It is the lead agency in New Zealand's biosecurity system and contains useful information about current and potential biosecurity risks such as varroa mite and bird flu. It has official information for importers and exporters and travellers and also promotes policies for the humane treatment of animals, and is a key participant in the ongoing animal welfare debate.

For some international perspectives, the Wikipedia is a good starting point.

Canterbury has two research centres which are key players in biosecurity and pest management and their websites are full of useful information:

National Centre for Advanced Bio-Protection Technologies

Centre for multidisciplinary research and development to meet the biosecurity and pest management needs of plant based primary industries and natural ecosystems. Based at Lincoln University.

Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research - Pest Management

Useful links and information about the research done by Landcare at Lincoln, into introduced animals and plants. Information on possum, stoat and ferret control, weed identification and control, and the impact of pests on our natural environment.

Within the Canterbury region and Christchurch City there are several key agencies working on controlling pest plants and animals:

Environment Canterbury –Pest Plants and Animals

Has regional responsibilities for monitoring and controlling pest plants and animals.

Christchurch City Environment

Information from the Christchurch City Council on such issues as biodiversity and weed control in the city.

Canterbury Weedbusters

Volunteers working together to reduce the threat of weeds to New Zealand's natural environment. Have regular weedbusting projects.

Canterbury Weed Guide

Provides an identification guide to weeds, information on current status (e.g. if covered by a pest management strategy) and general guidance on control methods.