New Zealand has strict biosecurity requirements for arriving vessels. Procedures must be followed to minimise the risk of bringing unwanted pests and diseases into New Zealand. From 31 October 2024, the Biosecurity Pre-arrival Report replaced the Masters Declaration and the Biofouling and Ballast Water Declaration forms.
Note that there has been no change to the Masters Declaration for Full Biosecurity Clearance for vessels intending to remain in New Zealand territorial waters for an extended period of time and/or visiting areas that are not a Place of First Arrival (POFA).
The PAR will become mandatory from 1 May 2025 and the old documentation will no longer be accepted. A PAR must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to arrival of the vessel in New Zealand territorial waters.
MPI advised that the new form aims to improve and simplify the required documents. Further information can be found in MPI’s fact sheet, which is available in the arrival process steps section in the MPI website.