The EPA has received proposals to remove the new organism status of several species already present in New Zealand, including three houseplants - the Pilea peperomioides (proposed by NZPPI), the Philodendron pedatum, and the Philodendron squamiferum.
Approval by Cabinet would mean these plants would no longer be regulated under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act and could be legally propagated and sold in New Zealand.
It's easy to provide feedback on the proposals via online submission to the EPA website. Submissions must be received by 5pm on 17 December 2021.
To read more about the proposals go to www.epa.govt.nz.
A link to the online submission form is included here.
New Zealand Plant Producers Incorporated