National seasonal biosecurity measures aimed at preventing the invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) from establishing itself in New Zealand began with the start of the high-risk season 1 September and will run until 30 April 2026.

As in previous seasons, vehicles, machinery, and parts from identified high-risk countries must undergo treatment or other approved measures before being shipped to New Zealand. The same requirements apply to sea containers arriving from Italy, where BMSB is widely established.

There have been no changes to import rules ahead of this season. However, a review of the Import Health Standard for Vehicles, Machinery, and Parts is underway and may result in some improvements. This includes the proposed addition of Uzbekistan to the list of 38 high-risk countries, following confirmation that the Central Asian nation has an established BMSB population.

Biosecurity New Zealand officers will again be out in force throughout the season, enhancing regular presence and checking all potential BMSB entry pathways. This includes:

• General cargo officers carrying out additional inspections of cargo from high-risk countries. More than 1900 full containers will be targeted for auditing, monitoring, or verification during the season.
• All vessels arriving in New Zealand with breakbulk (uncontainerised) BMSB-risk cargo will be subject to deck-by-deck surveillance. The extent of surveillance will be determined by reports provided by crew.
• Some 5100 new vehicles and 700 new machinery items are expected to be inspected.
• As with previous seasons, a detector dog will be available in Auckland throughout the season to respond to any post-border callouts. There will also be a second BMSB dog helping with surveillance at Auckland Airport.
• Biosecurity officers will meet higher risk flights – particularly from the United States and Canada – and provide advice to passengers, including what to do if BMSB is found in luggage.

There is also a public awareness campaign set to run from November through to May 2026. This season, the campaign is targeting a specific new audience – backpackers and working holiday visa holders, particularly those using campervans – using tailored ads both before arrival and while on the road. The campaign will continue to target traditional audiences as well, such as online shoppers, gardeners, DIYers and Māori communities. The key message for all is to catch, photograph and report any suspected finds.

These activities are enhanced by a national post-border surveillance programme of BMSB traps targeting high-risk areas across New Zealand, and KVH’s own industry led BMSB surveillance programme which is entering its fourth season of operation.

KVH also takes part in strengthening collaboration with Australian counterparts given reports of increasing BMSB pressure from several states.