Although we only became a company in 2024, Pacific Biosecurity team members have been supporting invasive species management in the region since 2002. Ongoing yellow crazy ant impacts in Tokelau led to the formation of Pacific Biosecurity in 2013, with the aim of helping resolve these issues.

An evolving social enterprise

Our work has evolved over time. While our primary focus is on preventing the arrival, establishment and spread of invasive species, that is, biosecurity, we provide a range of services to support invasive species management in the Pacific islands' region.

Our history
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Pacific Biosecurity was established as a not-for-profit initiative through the School of Biological Sciences at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, with the assistance of Victoria Link Limited. We have since set up Pacific Biosecurity Limited as a not-for-profit company (NZBN 9429051829568), which is independent of the University. We are not registered as a charity and will not ask for donations. We simply operate as a social enterprise that distributes our profits for social benefit.

Giving back

The company funds a scholarship at the University that supports Pasifika students and encourage study in environmental and ecological sciences. The Protect our Islands Pasifika Award was first offered in 2025. You can read about the rationale for the award here. The award is open to domestic and international students studying for a career in environmental and ecological sciences at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington.  This award is a prize that can be held with other scholarships.

Extensive experience in the Pacific islands' region

Pacific Biosecurity team members have been working on biosecurity and the research and management of invasive ants in the Pacific for more than 20 years.

Since 2011 our team has contributed to invasive species policy and planning, hands-on management, and capability-building in many countries and territories in the region. We have also developed standard tools and protocols for use throughout the region.​ Read more about our work here.

Founded on collaboration

We collaborate with regional organisations, international not-for-profits, local civil society groups, and governments to enhance resilience and well-being through invasive species management, primarily through supporting better biosecurity. 

​Pacific Biosecurity was a founding member of the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) and led the Protect our Islands programme. 

Our research outputs include collaborative peer-reviewed articles in international publications on invasive species ecology, impacts and management.