21959 (2025). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity

21959 (2025). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity: Is the Government considering introducing more stringent regulations in response to the spread of exotic Caulerpa, such as additional restrictions on boat travel or anchoring, and if so, what are these?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: Managing the pathway of spread for exotic caulerpa is an important element of the overall programme. Controlled Area Notices have been put in place at the most problematic incursion locations (Great Barrier Island, Great Mercury Island, Bay of Islands, and Waiheke Island). As these tools can have a material impact on people and communities, other pathway management tools are being used in other locations which are aimed at informing people of the risk of exotic caulerpa and what they can do to help prevent further spread. These include ambassador programmes, advertising, signage, community meetings and navigational aids.