In recognition of the increasing risks posed by offshore biosecurity threats, the New Zealand Winegrowers Board has taken a proactive step. At the August 2023 meeting, the board agreed to require all Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) vineyard members to have a biosecurity plan in place by 30 June 2026. This initiative underscores the critical importance of biosecurity in protecting the nation’s wine industry from devastating pests and diseases. Biosecurity is not just the responsibility of regulators or border control agencies but also a shared responsibility across the entire wine industry. Recognising this, New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) strongly encourages all its members, not just those in SWNZ, to establish biosecurity plans to help protect the industry.
The growing biosecurity threat
Globally, biological invasions are occurring more frequently, and the financial damage they cause is now comparable to that of natural disasters. New Zealand has already faced significant incursions, including Psa in kiwifruit, Mycoplasma bovis in cattle, varroa mite in bees, fall armyworm in crops, and Queensland fruit fly in horticulture. These invasions have been costly for both the government and industry, while individual growers and farmers have borne the brunt of the impact.
New Zealand’s unique natural environment and biodiversity are also at risk. Incursions such as kauri dieback and myrtle rust highlight the vulnerability of native species to introduced pests and diseases. The wine industry is not immune to these threats. With Marlborough accounting for a large percentage of viticulture plantings and Sauvignon Blanc dominating production, the industry is particularly susceptible to biosecurity risks. Given that New Zealand wine exports exceeded $2.1 billion in 2024, maintaining strong biosecurity measures is essential to protect both economic and environmental sustainability.
High-risk pests and diseases
Two major biosecurity threats to the New Zealand wine industry are the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) and Xylella fastidiosa. BMSB, a highly invasive pest, is intercepted at New Zealand’s borders every year despite stringent offshore treatments and public awareness campaigns. Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium responsible for Pierce’s disease in grapevines, has had devastating effects on vineyards overseas and could severely impact New Zealand’s wine industry if introduced.
Given these risks, it is essential that all NZW members understand biosecurity and their role in protecting vineyards. Implementing a biosecurity plan allows vineyard owners and managers to take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood and impact of an incursion.
What will be audited?
To maintain or gain SWNZ certification from the 2025/2026 season, SWNZ vineyard members must meet seven biosecurity requirements. Some of these are already required for certification, while others are new additions. The following list outlines these requirements:
- Biosecurity vineyard register: Ensure all details are fully and accurately completed by 30 June each year (existing SWNZ requirement).
- Biosecurity awareness material: Display biosecurity guidelines, vineyard pest and disease identification guides, and 0800 hotline posters (new requirement).
- Pest and disease monitoring: Conduct frequent inspections of vines and vegetation for vineyard pest and disease recording results (existing SWNZ requirement).
- Staff and contractor training: Ensure staff, contractors, and crop scouts are familiar with the industry’s Most Unwanted pests, biosecurity guidelines, and the Biosecurity New Zealand 0800 hotline (new requirement).
- Pest and disease management plans: Develop and maintain vineyard spray plans (existing SWNZ requirement under the Plant Protection focus area).
- Source of planting material: Obtain new grapevine planting material from existing New Zealand stock or through the legal importation system (legal requirement).
- New planting material: Ensure all new vines and cuttings meet certification standards or have been tested negative for grapevine leafroll-associated virus-3and are true to type (new requirement).
Supporting members
NZW is providing a range of resources, including templates, pest and disease guides, and other materials, to help vineyard owners develop and implement their biosecurity plans. In addition, planning workshops, online meetings, and vineyard visits will be available to assist members in meeting these new requirements.
Workshops will be structured to provide both an overview of the requirements and hands-on guidance in developing a vineyard-specific biosecurity plan. The sessions will run for two hours: the first hour will cover biosecurity resources and obligations, while the second hour will allow participants to complete a draft biosecurity plan using the provided templates.
Biosecurity planning workshops have been scheduled across the country as per the below dates to ensure all SWNZ vineyard members have the support they need. The NZW biosecurity team is currently working with regional associations to secure venues, and members will receive email correspondence with further details.
- 30 April: Central Otago
- 2 May: Waitaki Valley
- 6 May: Marlborough
- 13 May: Marlborough
- 20 May: North Canterbury
- 22 May: Nelson
- 4 June: Northland
- 6 June: Auckland/Waikato
- 17 June: Wairarapa
- 24 June: Gisborne
- 26 June: Hawke's Bay
These workshops will give vineyard owners the tools and knowledge to develop a robust biosecurity plan tailored to their site.
For more information on biosecurity planning, the SWNZ audit processes, and resources, NZW members can access the latest guidance online and attend one of the scheduled workshops.
The NZW Board’s decision to incorporate biosecurity planning into SWNZ certification reflects the growing recognition of the importance of proactive biosecurity measures. The new requirements will strengthen the industry’s resilience against incursions and support the long-term sustainability of New Zealand’s vineyards. By working together, the New Zealand wine industry can stay ahead of biosecurity threats and continue producing world-class wines.
For more information, contact the NZW biosecurity team by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
