New Zealand is an island. It is a long way from other countries, and it does not have many of the pests and diseases they have.

If we can stop these pests and diseases entering our country, it is best for everyone. Nobody wants our plants and our animals to get sick and die.

So New Zealand has quarantine rules. These rules are to try and keep dangerous pests (like insects or snakes) out of the country. Then we will all be safe.

Just a few mosquitoes might bring terrible fevers to our country when they bite people.