A question for members of the Forum from New Zealand...

[Jason22]

I don't think there was any proof that the white tree frogs had been smuggled in so to my knowledge he was not convinced of smuggling. only had lots of court cost.
the last whites tree frog was thought to be alive in the 80s i think, untill a few year ago.

I its not very likely that we will be able to import herps of any kind into nz untill the laws change witch they probably wont.

[Jess]

Oh well, it's worth a try anyway. Will post up what MAF says when I get their answer.

[Jess]

Here's what they had to say...

Sadly the answer is no. We do not permit the importation of frogs into New Zealand. Under the Biosecurity Act 1993, the importation of live animals into New Zealand cannot occur unless there is an import health standard. This standard must be based on an analysis of the risks of introducing pests and diseases associated with the importation. At present there is no import health standard or risk analysis for the importation of frogs into New Zealand.

In order for MAF Biosecurity to consider prioritising development of a new import health standard, a formal application must be submitted.

It should be noted that development of an IHS is a lengthy process and in some cases may be precluded by the level of disease risk.

So it seems, it might be a possibility...if an IHS is created, and the level of disease risk isn't a problem. Also, I have a link to the application for an IHS, if anyone is interested, just PM me.

[Jason22]

Very expensive to do i have heard and maf not that interested. whites tree frog will probably not make that standard because they live in a similar environment to nz so if released may pose a risk to natives.

[Jess]

I think it would be worth it. Even if Whites weren't allowed, it seems that if an IHS for Frogs were created we may be able to get other breeds in, which I think would be great!

[Jason22]

It would be great. no harm in trying but it would be quite expensive to set up. you would have get someone overseas to quarantine them, them get them tested. If Maf could provide a list of all the disease they would reject that would be helpful but they probably don't know what they don't want.
Would be easy to get passed the environment threating part because you would just import frogs that have no chance of living here

[Jess]

Exactly . I would assume, disease-wise, that MAF wouldn't want anything that we don't already have here, and yes, if they were quarantined and tested before they're sent, or/and quarantined when they arrive, that should cover that. But of course, yeh, I do believe it would be quite pricy to get an IHS, have heard the amount $10,000 been bandied around.