Since commencement of the new organisms component of the HSNO Act (ie 29 July 1998), all new organisms imported into New Zealand have required an approval under the HSNO Act.
Approvals also cover purposes other than importation (eg development of GMOs and non-GM new organism within New Zealand, GMO field tests, conditional release and release of new organisms). You can check the list of applications processed under the HSNO Act since July 1998 on our applications register.
Note that the HSNO Act also has a list of animals and plants that are completely banned.
Prior to approvals being given under the HSNO Act (ie pre 29 July 1998), many exotic organisms were legally approved for importation into New Zealand under previous legislation (eg cows, dogs, cats, rose plants, daffodil bulbs and pine trees). Such 'pre-approved' organisms do not generally require a second approval under the HSNO Act.
However, there is no single complete statutory list of organisms that were legally present in New Zealand pre-HSNO Act commencement.
A summary of available information to help determine whether or not an approval under the HSNO Act is required is given below:
Plants
Biosecurity New Zealand manages a database of plant species (see Plants Biosecurity Index) that were considered to be present in New Zealand before 29 July 1998. Species not listed on the Plants Biosecurity Index are considered to be new organisms, unless proven otherwise.
Other organisms
For other organism types (eg animals and microorganisms), Biosecurity New Zealand may hold records of pre-HSNO import approvals. In situations where new organism status is uncertain, we may be able to refer you to various non-statutory lists of vertebrates, invertebrates and micro-organisms that would help to clarify 'new organism' status. Where the 'new organism' status of an organism cannot be ascertained by the above means, then anyone may apply for a formal judgment of 'new organism' status from ERMA New Zealand.
To make such a request, fill out a 'determination' application form. However, before filling out the form it is recommended that you contact ERMA New Zealand and discuss your case. In all instances the applicant will be required to provide supporting information to ERMA New Zealand. If your organism is determined to be 'new' and is not covered by an existing approval under the HSNO Act, then you will need to make an application to ERMA New Zealand for the purpose you seek.
Resources
The following databases may be useful for ascertaining an organism's presence in New Zealand
- New Zealand Fungi (and Bacteria) (Landcare Research)
- New Zealand Plants (Landcare Research)
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network