Forest Biosecurity 
Ensis Forest Biosecurity and Protection provides the science needed to protect commercial, urban and native forests from damage caused by insect pests, pathogens and weeds.
The multi-disciplined team offers the knowledge and support required by government agencies and forest growers to eliminate or manage forest health risks.
Exotic pests, weeds and diseases present enormous risks to New Zealand and Australia’s forests. In the event of a serious incursion, potential damage to the productivity and biodiversity of forests could amount to billions of dollars. The trend for growing global trade and tourism is likely to increase the frequency of new pest incursions and associated risks.
The most effective ways to mitigate these risks are comprehensive biosecurity systems, underpinned by a high quality research capability. Ensis Forest Biosecurity and Protection is the largest provider of specialised forest health capability in New Zealand, and the group is also growing in Australia.
Many of the pests and diseases that pose a risk to forests are shared by Australia and New Zealand, so there are potential benefits to be gained from managing these risks together. Ensis offers a bridge that can span the forest biosecurity needs of both countries.
Areas of risk management activity within Ensis Forest Biosecurity and Protection include:
Pre-Border Biosecurity
- Pest risk analysis - Ecological modeling services to understand the risks from pest organisms not yet introduced into New Zealand or Australia. This information helps to define the vulnerability of forest ecosystems to these pests.
- Pathway analysis – Determining how pests get across the border and developing methods to close these pathways.
- Quarantine treatments – Developing methods for destroying pest organisms on imported or exported goods, and more effective strategies for defining treatment requirements.
Post-Border Biosecurity
- Pest surveillance – Ensuring that if pests are present, they are rapidly located and identified.
- Incursion response - Providing the science behind management decisions that arise when a new pest incursion is found.
- Forest weed, insect pest and disease management – Developing management options to mitigate the adverse impacts of established pest organisms.
Contact: Dr Brian Richardson
General Manager –
Phone: +64 7 343 5777
Ensis Forest Biosecurity and Protection is a member of the Forest Health Research Collaborative and the Forest Biosecurity Research Council
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