Clean, Dispose, Be Responsible
Category: National. Posted: 17 December 2024
The networking organisation for all people involved in biosecurity work has three simple requests for kiwis this Summer:
Clean, dispose, be responsible.
The call comes from the New Zealand Biosecurity Institute (NZBI) - the membership organisation for all people working to protect Aotearoa from damage caused by invasive species.
Institute president, Rowan Sprague said the Institute is asking all kiwis to support its members work by taking three simple actions this holiday season: “clean your recreational gear, dispose of garden waste appropriately, and be responsible pet owners”.
Dr Sprague said some of New Zealand’s worst pests can come from gardens or aquariums, and others are transferred on equipment and clothing. She said domestic pets which are allowed to roam can also have big impacts on our native biodiversity.
“We are asking people to clean and check their outdoor equipment, especially boats and boots, before and after exploring somewhere new.”
“We also ask that people dispose of garden waste or aquarium contents in the compost or at a waste management site.”
“Lastly, we are asking people to ensure their pets don’t stray this summer, and not to release unwanted pets into the wild.”
“For any invasive species, the key focus is to not give them any more of a helping hand to get around and infest new areas.”
“Every year Institute members spend thousands of hours controlling or managing the risks to the economy and the environment from the effects of invasive species.”
“This is work which costs the country millions of dollars each year through control, research and border control budgets.,” Dr Sprague said.