The progressive reopening of our borders and increase in travel makes the introduction of the new online exotic pest and disease reporting tool very timely.

Biosecurity New Zealand’s phone hotline (0800 80 99 66) is still the main reporting channel, but the online tool provides another option so that if you spot anything unusual you can report it in the way that suits you best. If you’re submitting something urgent, mass mortalities or animal diseases, you will be directed to use the phone line.

Anyone from the kiwifruit industry unsure about making a report and whether or not it is urgent, can also contact the KVH office at info@kvh.org.nz or 0800 665 825 for advice.

The most important thing, regardless of how you choose to make a report, is to do so as soon as you suspect you’ve found something of concern. All reports are valuable and the earlier they are made, the more action can be taken to limit impacts.