increase font size
WAIKATO REGIONAL Council's biosecurity group manager John Simmons has won annual PC Nelson Memorial Award from the Biosecurity Institute, a professional body for those working in the biosecurity sector.
The award is given annually to those who have excelled in animal pest management.
Simmons became involved in biosecurity in the late 1980s following the formation of regional councils from a disparate group of local authorities. He helped develop national standards for pest control, while helping to drastically reduce the incidence of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in the Waikato through better control of possums.
"This reduction in bovine TB has been really satisfying given the way it helps protect the regional economy and the possum control involved has a range of other environmental benefits at the same time," says
Simmons.
He found it a nice touch that the trophy for his national pest animal management award was a replica of a kokako.
One of the most satisfying highlights of his work over the years, he says, has been involvement in increasing the population of the endangered forest bird in the King Country from "a few pairs" in the late 1980s to "hundreds" today.
"That increase – which we've helped achieve along with the Department of Conservation and the Otorohanga Zoological Society – shows what can be achieved through agencies working together on protecting our threatened, iconic bird species," says Mr Simmons.
He is soon to move on from his council job and take up the interim general manager's position at the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust, which is overseeing the pest-proof bird sanctuary project around Maungatuatari near Cambridge. He is also planning consultancy work.
Rural Support Waikato is inviting farmers, growers, and rural communities to take a well-earned break and join us for 'Brunch on Us' - a series of all-sector, relaxed drop-in events across the region.
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.
Waikato is home to a diverse range of lakes, and experts say they urgently need better management and restoration.
Biosecurity remains the top priority for agribusiness leaders, according to KPMG’s 2025 Agribusiness Agenda released last week.
Biosecurity remains the top priority for agribusiness leaders, according to KPMG's 2025 Agribusiness Agenda released last week.
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.
OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…
One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…
