The status of the tenuipalpid mite Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) in New Zealand was previously uncertain. New collection records suggest that this mite is established, at least in the northern North Island.

Brevipalpus phoenicis is known to vector a number of plant diseases caused by Rhabdoviriidae (Mononegavirales), including some known to cause serious damage to food crops such as Citrus leprosis virus (CiLV), Passion fruit green spot virus (PFGSV) and Coffee ringspot virus (CoRSV). None of the diseases vectored by this mite are known to be present in New Zealand. Consequently B. phoenicis should still be considered of concern to New Zealand's biosecurity under some circumstances.