Work continues with e-commerce platforms to build awareness about New Zealand’s strict biosecurity requirements.

Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) has strong relationships with e-commerce platforms, helping support a stronger biosecurity system to manage increasing volumes of imported goods ordered through overseas websites.

The online purchasing platforms BNZ engages with range from boutique websites in Australia - who are often very responsive – to Trade Me, to large global e-commerce platforms, including eBay, Amazon, Wish, Alibaba, and Etsy.

Work with eBay resulted in the provider blocking the sale of plants, seeds, and bulbs to New Zealand-based customers in early 2023, closing an entry pathway for significant biosecurity threats. eBay has advised that its restrictions on these sales to New Zealand resulted in approximately 5,000 intended sales being blocked during the first year. The clear messaging provided by eBay informs New Zealand-based purchasers about our import requirements.

A new entrant to the New Zealand market that officials have established a dialogue with is Temu, who in March 2023 opened their online marketplace to Australasian customers and has quickly become a widely used platform. The focus of discussions is to ensure there is an understanding of New Zealand’s biosecurity rules, their processes, and that by working together concerns can be addressed.

KVH has a good relationship with Trade Me and closely monitors items for sale to ensure compliance with the kiwifruit industry’s Pathway Management Plan.

Trade Me removes risk items on behalf of KVH, such as pollen or nursery plants, which have the potential to spread pests and diseases throughout growing regions in New Zealand if traded unregulated between unknowing sellers and purchasers.