Aussie Labradors trained for NZ airport duties

Professor Susan Friedman with Georgie, who will join the biosecurity team after training. Photo / Sarah Ivey

A pack of dogs has been brought from Australia to become new biosecurity detector animals at New Zealand airports.

Ten Labradors from the Australian Customs are being trained to help with security measures at international and domestic airports around the country.

The Ministry for Primary Industries says the pups - aged 1 or 2 - will be paired with new handlers being trained next month.

The dogs will help reach a target of 40 biosecurity detector dog teams in operation.

Renowned American psychology professor Dr Susan Friedman was flown in to help new and existing handlers to better understand their animals.

Professor Friedman, who works at Utah State University, holds workshops and seminars around the world speaking to trainers, handlers and zoo workers about handling their animals in a more humane way.