Did you know the pest has the ability to devastate New Zealand’s fruit, vegetable and wine industries. Experts believe the cost could be around $4 billion if the bug established itself in New Zealand.
It is important because NZ is a pest and virus free country and so we need to keep pest and viruses out. Other wise we will have to face the consequences.
Unwanted pests and diseases (organisms) can damage New Zealand's economy, environment and way of life. lots of people or creatures could get sick and the environment would be damaged. Also it will be very hard to get the pests / viruses out of the country and as long as the virus is in the country people or creatures would be sick.
We keep NZ pest and virus free by doing these things:
Bio security is the protection of an environment from biological threats. In New Zealand action is taken to prevent unwanted organisms from damaging the economy, natural biodiversity, or the health of the New Zealand public.
References
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/finding-and-reporting-pests-and-diseases/keeping-watch/
http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/bi/Biosecurity
https://kiwikidsnews.co.nz/stink-bug-invading-new-zealand/
https://www.biosecurity.org.nz/about-us/what-is-biosecurity/