Before Pacific Biosecurity was initiated, in 2002  Phil Lester visited Tokelau for the first time to assist with the problems that the local community on Nukunonu atoll were having with the yellow crazy ant.

This visit led to the development of a collaborative project in 2005-2006 between Pacific Biosecurity (as Victoria University at the time) and Flybusters / AntiAnts.

The project delivered an invasive ant awareness programme and developed and implemented control options for yellow crazy ants on Nukunonu and Fakaofo atolls, and was led by Dr Kirsti Abbott and funded by the Critical Ecosystems Partnerships Fund (CEPF) and the National Geographic Society.