NZ Post is proud to highlight the importance of Aotearoa New Zealand’s world-class biosecurity system, in a special stamp release this November. From the borders to the backyard, biosecurity is something that affects all New Zealanders.

NZ Post Head of Stamps and Collectables Lynette Townsend says, “bringing something a bit different for the commemorative stamp programme, the Biosecurity Protection stamps each share key messages about how individuals and government work together to protect our ecosystem and way of life. These include declaring high-risk items at the border to prevent pests and diseases from entering the country ($2.90 - Protect our borders), reporting suspected new organisms to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) ($4.00 - Report exotic pests and diseases), and cleaning marine equipment to protect our waters ($4.70 Stop marine pests and diseases spreading).”

“Our island nation is free from many of the nasties found elsewhere in the world. We’ve managed so far to keep out major threats like foot and mouth disease and the brown marmorated stink bug. New Zealand has also eradicated invasive pests like the pea weevil, Queensland fruit fly and the southern saltmarsh mosquito.”  

“We know that every New Zealander has a part to play. Whether it’s declaring high-risk items at the border, carefully cleaning your shoes before entering a forest vulnerable to disease, or reporting that unusual bug to MPI. It’s a constant effort with new challenges around every corner. We’re happy to play our part by sharing this important message through our stamp programme,” says Lynette.

 

“We’re delighted to see biosecurity recognised in this way. It reflects the dedication of our people working across all layers of the system to keep New Zealand safe from damaging pests and diseases. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and this stamp issue is a great reminder of the role everyone plays in protecting New Zealand,” says Stuart Anderson, Deputy Director-General, Biosecurity New Zealand.

While the Ministry for Primary Industries plays a key role, biosecurity in New Zealand is a team game involving many different players - from government agencies to industry groups, scientists, Māori organisations and everyday Kiwis.

The Department of Conservation works to protect native species from invasive threats, regional councils manage pest control at a local level, and industry bodies help develop response plans for sector-specific risks. Even businesses and travellers have a part to play, following biosecurity rules and keeping an eye out for anything unusual.

 

With an issue date of 5 November 2025, the stamps can be purchased on the NZ Post Collectables website or at selected NZ Post stores within New Zealand.

Visit collectables.nzpost.co.nz/biosecurity to view the full collection.