A couple returning to New Zealand from Cuba, brought back a pair of maracas with them. Click here to see a picture of maracas. They are a kind of rattle which can be used in music.
When we arrive in New Zealand from overseas, we fill in a customs form. It asks if we have any objects made of wood, feathers, straw or plants. The couple declared the maracas on the customs form because they were made of wood.
Biosecurity at Auckland airport xrayed the maracas to see what was inside. They found seeds inside. These made the rattle noise. The seeds came from a plant which is called Cat’s Eye. The seeds contain a deadly poison which could kill people. Biosecurity staff destroyed the seeds and returned the maracas to the couple. The staff thanked the couple for declaring the maracas.
Cat’s Eye is a plant which we do not want in New Zealand. Australia has it and cannot get rid of it easily.
Listen to September 23 2014 to hear more about Biosecurity at our airports and harbours.
Vocabulary
- straw – dried grass
- deadly – could kill
- destroyed – burnt
- get rid of – opposite of keep