Pest-free Warrant – website content

Part of your responsibility as a Pest-free Warrant Holder is to ensure you promote good biosecurity behaviours to your clients through your communications. Please utilise these simple guidelines to ensure your webpages are compliant.

You can use any of the pictures, banners or wording in this word document by copying and pasting to your website/invoices/email confirmations.

 

Create a link to the biosecurity graphic below or use the graphic itself

The link is: https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/auckland/hauraki-gulf/pest-free-hauraki-gulf-brochure.pdf

 

This is a direct ‘quick link’ to the ‘Hauraki Gulf specific’ graphic (pdf) which can also be accessed via https://www.doc.govt.nz/pestfreehaurakigulf under ‘Further information’.

 

Add the biosecurity behaviour video

 The YouTube link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shfLAo1faLM

Or request an original version from a biosecurity staff member to upload directly.

Add this video to your vessel TV screens as well if possible.

 

Add text and link to the main ‘Pest Free Hauraki Gulf’ web page

 

“We follow and support the biosecurity requirements set out by Auckland Council and Department of Conservation. Therefore, we ask all passengers thoroughly check and clean their gear for pests prior to arrival. For more information click here”

 

“Before travelling into the Hauraki Gulf with us, please ensure your gear is clean and pest free. For more information on how to check your gear click here”

 Link – https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/what-you-can-do-for-environment/Pages/visiting-hauraki-gulf-islands.aspx

 

Provide text explaining the Pest-free Warrant and the biosecurity requirements your customers need to carry out before visiting islands in the Hauraki Gulf and why they need to do this

 Copy and paste the text below:

Why you need to check your gear

The Hauraki Gulf is a nationally-significant marine park. Many of the islands of the Gulf are pest free, or partially pest free. This means they are now home to some of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered species – eg tuatara, takahe, shore plover and kiwi. The islands are also recovering naturally as birds reintroduce themselves to these safe havens.  It is important to keep them pest free – and we need your help!

Pest animals and plants can invade our islands by stowing away on or in your footwear,  gear or boat. Rats can squeeze through a 12 mm gap and mice can squeeze through a 7 mm gap. Insects could hide in your bag, and weeds, seeds and soil could cling to your clothing and shoes.

Pests threaten New Zealand’s native wildlife.

• Rats eat birds, eggs, reptiles and insects.
• Mice prey on insects and eat small birds and reptiles.
• Argentine ants can reach large numbers and have a big appetite killing our native insects, skinks, geckos and baby birds.
• Plague skinks compete with native lizards and other animals for food and habitat and have displaced our native skinks on the mainland.
• Soil can carry plant diseases such as kauri dieback.
• Weed seeds can become a weed forest and smother native plants

 

Prepare for your trip by being alert for these threats. Please:

 

• Make sure all food is packed and sealed in plastic containers with lid. Ensure cardboard boxes are closed and taped – there must be no opportunity for an unwanted pest to access the container/box in transit.
• Ensure all footwear and gear is clean and free of soil.
• Thoroughly check any camping or overnight gear for stowaways. Gear that has been stored away is high risk.
• Thoroughly check seedlings, potting mix or plant matter to ensure there are no hitch-hikers.
• Seal up your gear/food as soon as you have finished packing and leave it closed until you reach your destination.

 

Without your co-operation your trip may not be able to take place, so if you have any doubts or questions about biosecurity, please ask us.”

For your information

There is an Auckland Council webpage that helps operators and customers understand more about transporting goods to islands.

https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/what-you-can-do-for-environment/Pages/transporting-items-hauraki-gulf-islands.aspx

 

Some items are required to be checked by a warranted officer before departure under the Controlled Area Notice Hauraki Gulf. You can email biosecurity@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to book an inspection or call your relevant biosecurity advisor.

Do you need help?

Contact your relevant Pest-free Warrant staff member, biosecurity advisor or email pestfreewarrants@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Please note that the ‘Treasure Islands’ branded campaign has been replaced by ‘Pest Free Hauraki Gulf’. All Treasure Islands messaging will be phased out but may still appear on some collateral. Wherever possible please use ‘Pest Free Hauraki Gulf’.