The New Zealand Biosecurity Institute has designated July as biosecurity month.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry says it's an attempt to raise awareness of the work that's going on to protect New Zealand's natural environment from pests and diseases.
Acting Director General Peter Thomson says MAF works in partnership with industries, the Department of Conservation, regional councils and iwi, but all New Zealanders have a part to play.
Mr Thomson says, for instance, farmers need to ensure they buy disease-free stock, and boaties need to check and clean their gear before moving it to another waterway.
The Biosecurity Institute's annual education and training seminar begins in Auckland on Wednesday, from 6 - 8 July.
