Biosecurity New Zealand says it appears the snake found on an Auckland construction site in Papakura yesterday was alive when it was discovered.
According to Michael Taylor, team manager aquatic and environmental health for Biosecurity New Zealand, the snake was initially reported as being found dead, but that may not be the case.
"It appears it may have been alive when found by the construction worker," Taylor told 1 NEWS today.
Biosecurity NZ's herpetologist (snake expert) has identified the snake as being a juvenile non-venomous carpet python.
The snake is 115cm long and officials say there is no evidence of any further snakes and there is no threat to the public.
"It was too large to be a hatchling but had not yet become sexually mature. There was nothing in its gut indicating it had not eaten for at least 2 to 3 weeks," a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) spokesperson told 1 NEWS.
Biosecurity NZ removed the snake, which is believed to be a carpet python, and say there is no threat to the public.
When dealing with the question of how the snake came to be in New Zealand, MPI gave the following analysis.
"While an investigation is underway to determine how the snake got into the country, early indications suggest the snake had made its way into a pipe which had then been sealed at both ends before it was imported from Australia."
Biosecurity NZ says given its age, "it’s unlikely the snake could have laid eggs."
Taylor says Biosecurity New Zealand "intercept one or two snakes a year" which are "normally not venomous".
He added that most snakes arrive here dead due to treatment of imported cargo.
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