New Compulsory Video for All Arriving Passengers to Protect NZ’s $60B Economy
By Lions Roar News National Desk (Abstracted from the RNZ- Radio New Zealand
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (December 30, 2025) – An “alien invasion” that could cripple New Zealand’s primary sector is just a single flight away, and the government is taking drastic steps to ensure every traveler knows the risk. Starting this week, a new compulsory biosecurity video will play on all international flights entering the country, delivering a blunt warning to the six million passengers who arrive annually.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard unveiled the 2025 update, which replaces the previous 2019 version. The video is designed to be a “wake-up call” for tourists and returning residents alike, emphasizing that a single overlooked apple or a hitchhiking bug could devastate the nation’s $60 billion export revenue.
🛡️ Protecting the “Backbone” of the Economy
The Minister highlighted two specific “aliens” that keep biosecurity officers awake at night: Foot and Mouth Disease and the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.
- The Threat: These pests and diseases could jeopardize the primary sector (farming and forestry) as well as the natural environment, which is the cornerstone of New Zealand’s multibillion-dollar tourism industry.
- The Mandate: Under the Biosecurity Regulations 2023, airlines are legally required to ensure passengers view or hear biosecurity information before landing.
- The Message: “Declare or Dispose.” If you are carrying food, plants, or animal products, you must declare them on your New Zealand Traveller Declaration or leave them in the amnesty bins at the airport.
🎥 Fresh Faces and “Friendly” Warnings
While the tone remains welcoming, the content has been sharpened to show the real-world consequences of biosecurity breaches on the Kiwi outdoor lifestyle.
Who is in the video?
- Three active Biosecurity NZ officers working the front lines.
- Hugh Jackson: The 2025 Young Farmer of the Year.
- Ashton Reiser: Champion kayaker and biosecurity ambassador.
- Grace Rehu: 2023 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower of the Year.
“It’s really vital that we keep invasive pests and plants out,” Minister Hoggard stated. “The risk… could jeopardize our $60 billion primary sector and threaten the natural environment that is the big drawcard for tourism.”
🏗️ Bolstering the Border for Summer
The launch of the video coincides with a massive recruitment drive to handle the summer peak. In 2025, Biosecurity New Zealand added:
- 50 new quarantine officers to man the X-ray machines and search bays.
- 26 part-time facilitators to help passengers navigate the declaration process.
- New risk-assessment tools to speed up passenger flow without compromising safety.
