New Zealand’s geographic isolation has long served as a natural barrier against biosecurity threats. Our distance from other land masses means only the most capable airborne species, like certain moths and butterflies, can make the journey here.

Of the more than 1,700 Lepidoptera species already present in Aotearoa, an impressive 87% are found nowhere else in the world.

What might arrive next? The Protecting Aotearoa from Wind-Dispersed Pests programme is working to better understand how pests and pathogens arrive in New Zealand via wind pathways, and to develop a predictive warning system.

By analysing published research, government reports, and observational data, the programme has built a database of non-native Lepidoptera and identified traits common to species that successfully establish here through aerial dispersal. Species to watch tend to have larger wingspans; a history of long-distance migration; and high observation counts on platforms like iNaturalist.

Three species stand out as potential threats to crops and pastures: sugarcane looper, lawn armyworm, and southern armyworm. These moths have been spotted in New Zealand before but haven’t yet established.

However, with enough opportunities to ride the wind across the Tasman, they could eventually gain a foothold.

Why it matters to kiwifruit growers

Moths are the primary pest concern when it comes to windborne arrivals from Australia. Several Lepidoptera species are known to impact kiwifruit, and KVH has been actively working this year to better understand and manage this risk:

• KVH is a member of the Programme Advisory Committee supporting the wind-dispersed pests project.

• With funding from Zespri Innovation, an independent literature review has been completed to assess the threat to kiwifruit.

• KVH also participates in the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA) Lepidoptera Working Group, which has reviewed New Zealand’s readiness, surveillance, and diagnostic capabilities for these pests. The group is now launching new projects, including the development of operational specifications to guide how we would respond to a Lepidoptera incursion.