Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com
The Government has announced a $1.5 million boost to help Kiwi poultry operators prepare for the possible arrival of H5 bird flu — a virus that’s been sweeping through flocks overseas and threatening food supplies worldwide.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the new Poultry Biosecurity Grant is designed to help small and medium‑sized producers strengthen their defences before the disease ever reaches New Zealand.
“We’re backing Kiwi poultry operators to protect jobs, livelihoods, and the country’s domestic food supply,” Mr Hoggard said. “This grant helps farmers make practical improvements to keep their flocks safe.”
Producers can claim up to 50 percent of costs, capped at $25,000, for upgrades that reduce the risk of disease — including better fencing, bird‑proofing, access controls, and cleaning facilities. Up to $3,000 of the funding can also go toward developing the biosecurity plans that will soon be required under new regulations.
The grant targets smaller operators with fewer than 100,000 birds, helping them get ahead of the tougher biosecurity rules coming into force by the end of 2026. Those rules aim to lift on‑farm readiness and give producers the best chance to protect their flocks and businesses.
The initiative follows two confirmed detections of H5 bird flu in New Zealand earlier this year, though there have been no further cases since 17 July 2026 and no signs of mass wildlife deaths or infections in poultry.
“H5 bird flu has spread widely overseas and continues to pose a significant risk to New Zealand’s poultry sector and food production systems,” Mr Hoggard said. “Strong on‑farm biosecurity is one of our best defences.”
Applications for the Poultry Biosecurity Grant are open now and close on 30 September 2026. Further information and application materials are available through the Ministry for Primary Industries.
