Photo: AFP
A new law requiring craft entering New Zealand to provide biosecurity information to incoming passengers has been passed.
Labour MP Steph Lewis said New Zealand's natural environment and primary sector would be better protected from threats at the border as a result.
The Biosecurity (Information for Incoming Passengers) Amendment Bill amends the Biosecurity Act 1993 to protect farmers and growers from biosecurity threats. It is also designed to provide stronger safeguards for the natural environment.
It is currently optional to provide biosecurity information to incoming passengers, creating an unnecessary biosecurity risk.
"This bill is adds another layer of defence at our borders," Lewis said.
"A biosecurity incursion that takes hold here would have a critical impact on our economy, especially our regional economies. It could threaten our export-led recovery and it could threaten our biodiversity.
"The tourism sector also contributes significantly to our economy, and the many visitors who come here to see our taonga-that's our national parks, and our native birds, fish, lizards all in their natural habitats.
"Requiring those operating commercial craft, such as airplanes or cruise ships to provide approved information means everyone coming to New Zealand will be given the information they need in order to help us protect our livelihoods and our precious taonga."