21960 (2025). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity

21960 (2025). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity: Since May 2023, how many new locations in New Zealand have been affected by the spread of exotic Caulerpa?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: Exotic caulerpa was first found in New Zealand in July 2021 at Aotea Great Barrier Island. The discovery of caulerpa in a number of locations suggests it had been here for several years before its first detection. Since May 2023, exotic caulerpa has been detected at Waiheke Island, Coromandel Peninsula (Fantail Bay and Square Top Island), Rākino Island, Mokohīnau Islands, Leigh Harbour, Cuvier Island and Little Barrier Island. There have also been range extensions at Great Barrier Island, Kawau Island and the Bay of Islands.