An effective biosecurity system needs to operate cohesively and collaboratively to achieve specific social, cultural, economic, environmental, and biodiversity outcomes and should involve industry, community groups, science, government, and Māori in New Zealand. There are opportunities to improve the representation of indigenous interests, priorities, and perspectives within B3 related projects to promote inclusive and positive collaborations throughout New Zealand and the Pacific. These opportunities have included B3 funding indigenous led projects supporting engagement with mana whenua (people of the land) and ongoing indigenous knowledge exchange to endorse and support research grounded in communities. The unique way which indigenous peoples understand the world is inclusive where all elements of the universe are related, the tangible, non-tangible, the natural and spiritual worlds (Clapcott et al., 2018). This all-inclusive understanding of the natural world is part of a base of knowledge known in New Zealand as mātauranga Māori (Māori systems of knowledge). From these systems of knowledge emerge a set of concepts, values, and principles for establishing relationships with the natural world. This systems thinking approach is what influences many of the principles underlying indigenous research in New Zealand. Māori ways of knowing are considered valid, and the research has positive benefits for Māori communities. Researchers acknowledge the importance of creating relationships with indigenous participants. This supports the merging of western science and indigenous knowledge that promotes opportunities for innovative solutions.