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Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is on the hunt for biosecurity champions as entries open for the 2022 New Zealand Biosecurity Awards.
The awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the contributions made across the country to protect against pests and diseases.
“It’s our way of honouring people and organisations across the motu who are contributing to biosecurity – in our communities, businesses, iwi and hapū, government, in the bush, our oceans and waterways, and in our backyards,” says Biosecurity deputy-director general Stuart Anderson.
He says that some New Zealanders aren’t aware that their work in their own backyards plays a critical role in the biosecurity system.
“From trapping pests like catfish, rats and stoats; to disease management in out forests, rivers and oceans; these are all important projects which strengthen our biosecurity system.”
“A strong biosecurity system takes all of us. We are grateful to receive continued support for these Awards from our fantastic sponsors – AsureQuality, Eagle Technology, Government Industry Agreement (GIA), Mondiale VGL and New Zealand’s Biological Heritage - we couldn’t do it without them,” says Anderson.
The impact of being a winner at the New Zealand Biosecurity Awards goes beyond the recognition and celebration on the Awards night, according to 2021 Supreme Winner Xerra Earth Observation Institute.
“The recognition of Starboard’s work through these awards has been enormously motivating to continue our journey towards science-based benefits for all Aotearoa,” says Xerra programme leader Moritz Lehman.
“Biosecurity challenges need a team approach and we sincerely thank the intensive co-development support from staff at Biosecurity New Zealand who now use our tool to help protect our maritime border from invasive species.”
The New Zealand Biosecurity Awards categories are:
Entries close 5pm, 31 July 2022.
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
Milk powder prices are continuing their merry run, firming up a potential $10/kgMS farmgate price this season.
Teachers are welcoming the outgoing Government’s U-turn allowing agriculture and horticultural science to remain a standalone Year 11 subject.
Outgoing ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron says Saturday’s election result reflects voters deeply impacted by the cost of living.