Microbiology Testing

Microbiology Testing

Hill Labs offers a large range of accredited microbiology testing for different sample types, ranging from raw material to finished product, as well as environmental monitoring by swab. We have invested in the latest technologies to provide robust and sensitive testing to help clients ensure that their products and facilities are pathogen-free and comply with food safety requirements. Our methods are MPI and IANZ accredited, meaning local market providers, importers and exporters are able to use our results to meet their regulatory requirements. Our friendly Client Service Managers are just a phone call away and happy to help you understand your sampling and analysis needs.

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Molecular and Food Microbiology

Hill Labs has an extensive array of pathogen, food spoilage and food quality related tests for products and swabs. Both traditional and molecular based testing platforms are utilised to ensure industry leading turnaround times and reliability of results.

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Environmental and Water Microbiology

Tests are performed on water to monitor the microbiological quality. Microbial water analysis can be performed for a variety of reasons including resource consent, quality control, monitoring environmental impact or just wanting to know that your water is safe to drink.

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3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Swab Testing

Our latest innovation helps clients streamline their environmental monitoring programs by utilising both Tempo and PCR technology to test up to four organisms using just one swab. This advancement not only saves time and effort but also reduces the use of single-use plastics, supporting both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

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Helpful links

Our team of testing experts has meticulously crafted these documents to offer recommendations tailored to your testing requirements.

Latest Stories

Connecting with Farmers and Growers at Fieldays

We are looking forward to our 28th year at Fieldays this year, connecting with farmers, growers and industry professionals from across New Zealand. Events like Fieldays are a great opportunity for our team to get out from behind the desk, hear directly from the sector, and continue building strong relationships within the agricultural community.
  21 May 2026

A Record-breaking Day for Kiwifruit Samples

Hill Labs is a key service provider to Zespri and the kiwifruit industry, providing time-critical sampling and maturity testing services seven days a week. Zespri has strict maturity criteria that all orchards must pass before harvest to ensure consumers receive the best quality kiwifruit expected from the Zespri brand.
  21 May 2026

Introducing Dairy Commodity Product Testing and MALDI-TOF Identification

Customer needs continue to evolve - particularly across dairy commodity testing and microbiological identification - and over the past year, these topics have become increasingly common in conversations with our clients. In response, we have expanded our laboratory scope to include ISO reference method testing for dairy commodity products, alongside the introduction of MALDI-TOF identification technology.
  21 May 2026

What our customers have to say

"We've always found them to be responsive in getting results back and giving advice on problems we might be facing."

Andrew Hutchinson, Technical Manager, Turners & Growers

"We strongly recommend Hill Labs as a sound testing service provider to the honey industry."

Nick Walker, Technical Manager, Egmont Honey

"Their sample registration system has made things simple and seamless - collect, scan and send!"

Mathew Bannister, Compliance Manager, First Fresh New Zealand

Accreditations

As a New Zealand accredited laboratory by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ), Hill Labs' commitment to quality is tantamount to our overall operating philosophy. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work.