Why our future depends on taking biosecurity seriously
OPINION: When it comes to biosecurity, we often hear about the end of a response, but it’s the beginning that helps determine our success.
Minister for Biosecurity Damien O’Connor wants every New Zealander to help build a biosecurity team of 4.7 million as part of the Ko Tātou This Is Us campaign.
Ko Tātou This Is Us is an independent biosecurity brand that aims to connect all of us with the many ways we can help protect Aotearoa from pests and diseases.
“With biosecurity in the spotlight as we attempt to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis, turn away ships to keep the Brown marmorated stink bug out of New Zealand, and deal with the emergence and spread of Myrtle rust and Kauri dieback, now is the time for every New Zealander to stand up and take action on biosecurity,” O’Connor said.
“Biosecurity keeps safe everything that shapes our unique way of life, from the great outdoors we farm, fish, hunt and play in to the biodiversity of our unique ecosystems.”
The campaign includes a beautiful and thought-provoking video, featuring a kuia looking back on her life and urging New Zealanders to understand that everything that shapes our way of life is finite and fragile and that we must all play our part in protecting it from pests and diseases.
It also focuses on appropriate biosecurity behaviours and actions in three core areas: moving people and goods, vigilance and readiness, and pest and disease control.
O’Connor thanked those who have shared their own personal connection to biosecurity as part of this campaign, such as Pro XC Mountain Bike racer and Commonwealth Games Gold medallist Anton Cooper, owner of the largest cooking school in Australasia Sachie Nomura, and Big Angry Fish hosts Milan Radonich and Nathan O’Hearn.
“Together we can make a difference. Together we can keep Aotearoa safe from pests and diseases. Ko Tātou This Is Us,” O’Connor said.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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