In one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, the love struck Juliet says “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet”. Names are not the objects they describe. They are, however, the main way we have of referring to things in the real world.

The relationship between names and organisms is more complicated than it might seem. The concept of what constitutes a particular species can change over time, and the names we use to refer to it change with it.

Having access to accurate and up-to-date organism names is essential for biosecurity. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) needs to know what is already in New Zealand and what it is trying to keep out. It needs to be able to quickly identify undesirable organisms

that come across the border so it can respond swiftly and appropriately to prevent incursions that might otherwise damage indigenous biodiversity, agricultural and horticultural industries and the health of New Zealanders.

All of this requires the consistent use of up-to-date organism names, not just within agencies, but across New Zealand and internationally.