A Member's Bill to give border officials the authority to refuse entry to New Zealand to people who knowingly bring in high-risk biosecurity items has been lodged by Clutha-Southland MP Hamish Walker.

Walker's Bill will work by increasing infringement fees at the border from $400 to $1000 for people trying to bring in illegal biosecurity breaching items, and also give officers stronger authority to refuse entry for those attempting to breach our biosecurity laws.

"Prevention is key in protecting our borders and if offenders are deterred further by the risk of heavier fines or even entry refusal, we are further protecting our country.

"There is an ever-increasing risk to our borders as more people travel to New Zealand, with passenger numbers up 35 per cent in the past 10 years and 5.5 million passengers now arriving every year," Walker said.

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SUPPLIED Clutha-Southland MP Hamish Walker's biosecurity members bill proposes increased fines and give border officials the authority to refuse entry.

Mycoplasma bovis, a Queensland fruit fly, myrtle rust and velvetleaf all got through biosecurity systems and showed the devastation biosecurity breaches have on the country, he said.

"We also face further risks in easily transmittable diseases threatening our borders like African Swine Fever [a viral disease of domestic and wild pigs].

"My Member's Bill would work by first and foremost to deter people from trying to bring in illegal biosecurity breaching items, while also having further repercussions with larger fines, and giving our authorities more power to protect our country."

Meanwhile, a group of 50 New Zealand companies have signed a first-of-its-kind pledge to protect New Zealand from pests and diseases.

The Biosecurity Business Pledge – which includes some of New Zealand's biggest businesses including Fonterra, Auckland Airport, Goodman Fielder, Countdown and Mainfreight – was launched late last month by participating businesses and biosecurity minister Damien O'Connor.

MARTIN DE RUYTER/STUFF Biosecurity minister Damien O'Connor announced the The Biosecurity Business Pledge late last month.

The businesses pledged to play their part in the efforts to prevent pests and diseases from getting into New Zealand, or helping to stop their spread if they do get here.

"The aim of the pledge is to take a more proactive approach to biosecurity by improving the partnership between government and businesses, to help prevent unnecessary costs and disruptions for Kiwi businesses, communities and the wider New Zealand economy," O'Connor said.

"Our primary sector is worth over $46.4 billion dollars annually and tourism is worth over $39 billion. The economic benefits of that flow through to all New Zealanders and we have to protect it."

Earlier this year, Biosecurity New Zealand launched a new in-flight video to remind visitors about the importance of keeping pests and diseases out.