Biosecurity Overhaul

In July 2025, the Ministry of Primary Industries released its proposed ‘Biosecurity System Action Plan.’ It is intended to guide new legislation to amend the Biosecurity Act 1993, and to overhaul current biosecurity regimes to improve process, obligations and rights. This will impact importing/exporting, practices on farm and government accessibility to farms.

The action plan is presented in two tranches. The first focuses on immediate priorities – clarifying roles, modernising processes and providing training tools. The second tranche will build on successful initiatives, consider social and cultural impacts and develop long term resolutions. Significant progress on both tranches by 2030 is proposed.

Key proposed amendments following submissions and consultation include:

•    Placing greater decision-making discretion with regional councils and management agencies – including the ability to create exemptions, issue permits for pests and produce small scale management plans

•    Increasing and introducing new penalties, including for obstructing a lawful search

•    The ability to grant one-off or ad hoc permits for imported goods, and

•    Removing the need for the current exemption for regional councils to enter private land to manage pests.

A draft bill is anticipated to be presented to Parliament in late 2026.

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