Check. Clean. Protect.

Protecting the Chatham Islands from unwanted pests, weeds and diseases starts long before freight arrives at the wharf. One of the biggest biosecurity risks comes from contaminated vehicles, trailers and equipment carrying mud, soil, seeds, plant material, insects and other organisms.

While a vehicle may appear clean, biosecurity risk material can remain hidden in wheel arches, chassis rails, suspension components, engine bays, undercarriages, toolboxes and storage compartments. Even small amounts of soil or plant material can contain seeds, insects or plant pathogens capable of establishing in a new environment.

Utes, trailers, quad bikes, farm vehicles and machinery are particularly high risk because they often operate in areas where soil and vegetation can become trapped in hard-to-reach places. A quick wash may improve appearance, but it does not necessarily remove all biosecurity contaminants.

Before being shipped to the Chatham Islands, all vehicles and equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Particular attention should be given to tyres, mudguards, undersides, tow hitches, storage areas and any locations where dirt and debris can accumulate.

Effective cleaning may require:

• High-pressure water cleaning
• Compressed air or vacuum cleaning
• Brushes for stubborn mud
• Inspection of undersides using ramps or hoists
• A final check using a bright torch 

Check out these checklists to help you ensure your vehicles are clean.

• Ute cleaning and inspecting guide [JPG, 514 KB]
• Trailer cleaning and inspection guide [JPG, 496 KB]
• Quad bike cleaning and inspection guide [JPG, 518 KB]

The message is simple: Check. Clean. Protect.

Any vehicle, trailer or piece of equipment arriving at the Chatham Islands border with biosecurity contamination may be stopped and held until the risk material has been removed. The owner or importer will be responsible for arranging and covering the cost of any additional cleaning or treatment required before the item can be released.

Every vehicle, trailer or piece of equipment that arrives free of biosecurity risk material helps protect the Chatham Islands' unique environment, productive land and community. Preventing pests and weeds from arriving is far easier and more cost-effective than trying to remove them once established.

Together, we can help keep the Chatham Islands pest free and protect what makes our islands unique.

If in doubt, please contact Chatham Islands Council, our Biosecurity staff are here to help.