Boaters Must Be Targeted Following Picton Biosecurity Incursion

Green Biosecurity Spokesperson Ian Ewen-Street today said education programmes aimed at travellers arriving in New Zealsand by boat were needed in light of the discovery of an oriental paper wasp and several eggs in Picton.

"As a Marlborough MP I am particularly concerned at the biosecurity risk to the country and the region from people entering the country from large yachts and other boats in areas like the Sounds," he said.

"I am concerned that border control for people coming in on private boats is much less than that for people coming off planes, despite much greater scope for biosecurity incursions."

Mr Ewen-Street said he would like to see comprehensive education campaigns targeted at boaters informing them of their biosecurity obligations.

"The discovery of this wasp is another reminder that we must be eternally vigilant at our borders and be constantly on the lookout not only for pests but for ways in which controls at the border can be tightened and refined."

Ends

© Scoop Media