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 our formation in 2013, with the aim of helping resolve these issues.

An evolving social enterprise

Our work has evolved over time and and our primary focus now is on preventing the arrival, establishment and spread of invasive species, that is, biosecurity.
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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.

The company funds a scholarship at the University that supports Pasifika students to complete their undergraduate year (in any discipline) and start postgraduate studies in environmental and ecological sciences. The Protect our Islands Pasifika Scholarship was first offered in 2025. You can read about the rationale for the scholarship here. In 2026 we plan to offer an award for talented international students from other universities who wish to enrol for postgraduate  studies in environmental and ecological sciences at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington.  This award (prize) can be held with 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.