New Zealand: Biosecurity Pre-Arrival Reporting Working Well

Pre-Arrival Clean Hull Evidence

Most recreational vessels (yachts and leisure craft) coming to New Zealand will need a full biosecurity clearance. This allows vessels to sail freely in New Zealand waters and remain in the country for an extended time (more than 28 days).

In 2025 Biosecurity New Zealand (the government unit inside the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) that protects New Zealand from harmful pests, diseases, and unwanted organisms) began requesting clean hull evidence prior to arrival for yachts, which meant recreational vessels had the option to send in photos or videos of their hulls before they entered New Zealand.

The requirements for capturing evidence and the resulting inspection report are found in the Craft Risk Management Standard -Vessels (CRMS Vessels).

Get the All Clear before arrival

From 1 September to 31 December 2025, Biosecurity New Zealand reported 549 yacht arrivals, with Opua in the North Island’s Bay of Islands continuing to be the busiest port, welcoming 274 vessels – nearly half of all arrivals. Marsden Cove in Whangarei followed with 168.

Biosecurity New Zealand also reported that between 1 April – 30 June 2026, 97.3% of vessels arrived compliant with the CRMS on arrival, with only 16 vessels (2.7%) not compliant.

According to a spokesperson from Biosecurity New Zealand, about a third of the vessels got the all-clear before arrival, another third sent evidence that didn’t quite meet the mark, giving Biosecurity officers an opportunity to work with skippers and share tips for next time. The rest were unable to provide pre-arrival evidence so were assessed on arrival.

Most yachts arriving in New Zealand waters are compliant with biosecurity requirements and reporting.

“Overall, the new process went well and we were impressed with how engaged the yachting community was,” said the spokesperson. “There were a few teething issues, but we’ll use what we’ve learned to make things smoother for 2026 – focusing on clearer guidance and faster feedback.”

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries website has clear steps for gaining full biosecurity clearance for all vessels arriving in New Zealand.

There is also a webpage providing biofouling advice for recreational vessels, there is also an example of good biofouling evidence and a one pager on biofouling compliance for recreational vessels with further examples.

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