WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/SPS/GEN/280
2 October 2001
(01-4695)
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Original:  English
BIOSECURITY AWARENESS PROGRAMME
Submission by New Zealand
1. A national programme aimed at encouraging people to be more vigilant about biosecurity was
launched in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington on 27 September 2001 by the Minister for
Biosecurity, Jim Sutton supported by Deputy Prime Minister, Jim Anderton and Marian Hobbs,
Associate Minister for Biosecurity and Minister for the Environment.
2. The programme, entitled Protect New Zealand , has been designed to build public awareness
of the importance of protecting New Zealand against economic and social consequences arising from
an increasing range of biosecurity threats.  The programme includes a number of key elements – a
new logo, spokesperson, a website and a television campaign.
3. The programme is a cross agency initiative lead by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
The Ministry for the Environment, the Department of Conservation, the Environmental RiskManagement Authority New Zealand, the Ministry of Fisheries, the Ministry of Health, and regional
councils are also involved.
4. Following its launch, the Biosecurity Awareness Programme will focus on a number of
significant upcoming events, such as the planned "Protect New Zealand" week, and an international
biosecurity conference, both in May 2002.  Ongoing awareness campaigns targeting specific groups
such as foreign travellers, gardeners, yacht owners and importers are also planned.
5. The "Protect New Zealand" website provides general biosecurity information to the public.
An explanation of biosecurity, details of exotic pests and diseases, and information about what cannot
be brought into New Zealand can be found on the site.  It also includes links to more detailed
biosecurity information on other sites.
6. For further information, visit the website www.protectnz.org.nz.
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