Bird Flu: Keep Distance, Wash Hands, Report It
OPINION: It's a tough pill to swallow that bird flu (avian influenza) has finally arrived in New Zealand. This is a moment many of us have hoped would never come.
Biosecurity New Zealand announced the winners of the 2018 New Zealand Biosecurity Awards last night.
Environment Southland’s Fiordland Marine Pathway Management Plan took out the top prize, the New Zealand Biosecurity Supreme Award. Their project also received the New Zealand Biosecurity Eagle Technology Local and Central Government Award.
The Fiordland Marine Pathway Management Plan the first of its kind in New Zealand, aims to protect one of New Zealand’s most unique and nationally significant areas from marine pests being carried in on local and visiting vessels.
“The New Zealand Biosecurity Awards celebrate iwi, environmental organisations, science providers, community groups, local, regional and central government agencies who are working hard to help ensure Aotearoa is safe from pests and diseases,” says Roger Smith, Head of Biosecurity New Zealand.
The Awards’ winners included a wide variety of interesting biosecurity-related projects from the protection of New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry, to biosecurity excellence in Tauranga moana to improving the outcomes for kōkako, and even innovative products like a portable footwear cleaning system.
The full list of New Zealand Biosecurity Awards’ winners are:
- New Zealand Biosecurity Department of Conservation Community Award - Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society
- New Zealand Biosecurity GIA Industry Award - Kiwifruit Vine Health
- New Zealand Biosecurity Biological Heritage Challenge Science Award - Scion: New Zealand Forest Research Institute
- New Zealand Biosecurity AsureQuality Emerging Leader Award - Dr Amanda Black
- New Zealand Biosecurity Te Puni Kōkiri Māori Award - Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi Trust
- New Zealand Biosecurity Eagle Technology Local and Central Government Award - Environment Southland
- New Zealand Biosecurity Mondiale Innovation Award - Jacson3 Limited
- New Zealand Biosecurity Supreme Award - Environment Southland
- Minister’s Biosecurity Award - Greg Corbett
The Southern Dairy Hub (SDH), which runs a demonstration farm for South Island farmers, has a new general manager.
Esther Guy-Meakin has been announced as the new chief executive of the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).
According to a progress report on the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan (AHAP), New Zealand's horticulture sector is making real progress on the big issues facing growers.
A team effort that is paying dividends for the wider New Zealand economy.
A strong sense of community involvement is what propelled the Federated Farmers' North Canterbury president Bex Green to the honoured title of the Feds' Advocate of the Year 2026.
The country's second largest milk processor is warning against 'complacency' during a review of competition regulations in the dairy sector.

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