Biological control in New Zealand: policy and procedures

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Abstract
Biological control of insect and weed pests of agriculture, horticulture, and forestry in New Zealand has a long history. It is carried out according to accepted international protocols and within a framework of procedures established by several Acts of Parliament. A full biocontrol programme can involve (i) foreign exploration for likely biocontrol agents specific for the biocontrol target; (ii) studies on the biology of the agent and on its host range; (iii) introduction of the agent to New Zealand, in quarantine; (iv) multiplication and release of the agent, and (v) evaluation of the impact of the agent. The current protocols ensure that an introduced agent is as safe as is practicable, and has maximum likelihood of success. The legal procedures set restraints upon the operator and provide opportunity to assess conflicting interests, where these exist. Nonetheless it is appropriate to consider a more formal approach to evaluating both the public interest and wider environmental consequences when importation of biocontrol agents and other new biota is contemplated.