Learn about biosecurity

Our unique and fragile ecosystems require protection from organisms that are not native to Aotearoa. Our farms, fields and orchards also require protection from introduced fungi, bacteria and viruses. Biosecurity is the process of detecting and controlling unwanted plant and animal pests and diseases.

There are many facets to pest control – including modern technologies and traditional methods.

Background information

• Biosecurity – article

• Improving Aotearoa New Zealand’s biosecurity detection – article

• RNAi for pest control – te ao Māori considerations – article

• 1080 and pest control – exploring the history and science of mammalian pest control in Aotearoa – timeline

Teaching resources

• Student SOLO overview – investigating a pest species: chart student progress – Word document

• Pest management and biosecurity – Tame Malcolm webinar: watch a video to answer questions – Word document 

• Biosecurity statements – Venn diagram: use a Venn diagram to compare statements from three organisations – Word document

• Make a wanted poster: create a poster about an individual pest – Word document

• Native marine species versus pest marine species – teacher notes and student worksheets: multi-step activities with formative assessment – Word document

• Traditional methods and modern solutions to pest control – three-level reading guide: read a short article and answer questions – Word document

• Indigenous pest control: read a short article and answer questions – Word document

• Mātauranga Māori and pest management – teacher notes: learn aspects of mātauranga and tikanga as it pertains to biosecurity, pest management and the protection of te taiao – Word document

• Mātauranga Māori and pest management – student worksheet – Word document