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New Zealand has a long history of experience with biological invasions – over time, rats, mice, and numerous other pests and diseases have made it here. We’ve had to develop strong systems for biosecurity to maintain our environment and way of life, systems recognized as world class by the rest of the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen: my colleague Paul Swain, Director-general Murray Sherwin, I am delighted you could join me here today, to formally launch plans for the National Centre of Biosecurity and Infectious Disease.

This Government is committed to proper levels of biosecurity, based on honest science.

The Government has confidence in the future of the forestry sector.

Today we are celebrating a significant achievement for New Zealand biosecurity. We’ve have done what John Mitchell and the All Blacks couldn’t – wiped out a team of aggressive, invading Aussies.

New Zealand's biosecurity system is probably the best in the world, but we must continuously improve.