Full Breakdown
Importing the Four Species to New Zealand: Navigating Biosecurity, Cost, and Community Commitment
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Each year the Wellington Jewish Community Center and the Auckland Hebrew Congregation must import the ritual “Four Species” — lulav, etrog, myrtle, and willow — for Sukkot. New Zealand’s biosecurity regime treats all natural plant material as a potential hazard, requiring risk-management plans, audits, and government approval before the sets can enter the country.
Background & Context
The Ministry for Primary Industries enforces the Biosecurity Act to protect the nation’s fragile ecosystem. Imported foliage falls under this legislation, so each synagogue must submit a detailed plan, undergo a verification audit, and train staff in handling restricted material. The sets are cultivated in Israel and routed through Australia before reaching New Zealand.
Data & Statistics
- Number of sets: 14 complete sets are imported annually for the country’s roughly 5,500 Jews.
- Cost per set: $1,200–$1,700, far higher than the $40 price typical in many other Jewish communities.
- Processing steps: Each set is inspected, counted, placed in pest-proof packaging; after Sukkot, all plant material—including fallen leaves—is collected, sealed, and returned to the Ministry for destruction.
Official Statements & Responses
Daniel Rosenbaum, incoming chair of the Wellington Jewish Community Center, says the import process is comparable to that of a large commercial importer, emphasizing the need for meticulous documentation and government coordination. Yael Armitage, a coordinator for the Wellington center, notes that both synagogues must submit separate biosecurity plans and that staff receive specialized training. The Ministry’s recent revision of the Import Health Standard in November 2025 now includes palm and myrtle species, but the etrog—classified as a citrus fruit—remains outside the scope, leaving the community awaiting further guidance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have to go through the same rigmarole as a massive company, like one that brings in 1,000 tons of tomatoes from Spain,” — Daniel Rosenbaum
- “We can’t toss them into a bin; we have to get [the government] to come and pick them up,” — Daniel Rosenbaum
Why It Matters
The logistical and financial burden underscores the community’s commitment to fulfilling the Sukkot commandment despite regulatory obstacles. The process highlights how small religious minorities must adapt to national biosecurity policies, balancing ecological protection with cultural and religious practices.
What’s Next
The Ministry for Primary Industries is working to develop an Import Health Standard for etrogs. Completion of that standard would likely reduce costs and simplify the import procedure for future Sukkot celebrations. Until then, the Wellington and Auckland congregations will continue the current protocol of secure storage, inspection, and post-festival destruction of all plant material.