1355 (2025). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity

1355 (2025). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity: How, if at all, is the Minister planning to protect New Zealand’s native taonga species and waterways from Asparagopsis taxiformis?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: There is no evidence currently to suggest that the seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis is affecting biodiversity in the areas where it has been found. Asparagopis taxiformis has distributed worldwide with six genetically distinct lineages. Scientists will be looking out for this exotic red seaweed and continuing sampling as part of regular surveillance for marine pests at 12 of New Zealand’s busiest ports to understand if it is present elsewhere. The seaweed that has been found looks very similar to the native New Zealand red seaweed Asparagopsis armata and can grow among that seaweed.