The New Zealand Government has ordered a fourth bulk carrier from Japan to leave its waters following a discovery of numerous brown marmorated stink bugs aboard.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) ordered the Glovis Caravel to depart on Tuesday evening after the crew reported finding nearly 600 stink bugs, 12 of them alive, while the ship was anchored near Auckland.

“Even though the vessel was sealed, we assessed the risk was too high for it to remain in New Zealand waters. It will now have to be treated off shore before it can return,” MPI Border Clearance Services Director Steve Gilbert said.

The ministry has increased its border inspection and verification of bulk carriers arriving from Japan following a recent jump in detections of brown marmorated stink bug. 

“Some of the carriers arriving New Zealand require no further action, but where there is contamination we have the option of denying entry," Gilbert said.

“We firmly believe our actions to date have prevented stink bugs from getting past the New Zealand border and welcome the support we have been getting from a range of industries.

“Everyone appreciates a brown marmorated stink bug incursion could have a devastating impact on New Zealand agriculture.”

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