Lay summary
The key limiting factor for dengue transmission in New Zealand (NZ) is the absence of a major mosquito vector, e.g. Aedes albopictus (i.e. not established). However, frequent biosecurity interceptions of Ae.albopictus and the climate suitability in northern regions of NZ present a potential risk for their establishment and, therefore, local arbovirus transmission. The establishment of the introduced cold-hardy vector Ae.notoscriptus in NZ is proposed as a blueprint for predicting the arrival of Ae.albopictus. We propose using genomic databanks to identify the geographic origins of Aedes notoscriptus in NZ. This will represent a significant advance to evaluate limiting and facilitating conditions for the introduction of Ae. albopictus into NZ, review biosecurity protocols and anticipate and manage risk for local dengue transmission. The project will work with selected Northland communities, hapū or iwi through hui and wānanga to gather knowledge on existing understanding of mosquito distribution, behaviour and health impacts from human-mosquito interactions.