New collective aims to protect region from biosecurity threats
A new collective of businesses, iwi and hapū, councils, and community groups has come together to protect Taranaki from the threat of pests, weeds and diseases.
Biosecurity Taranaki was launched in New Plymouth on Friday and the partnership aims to be proactive in safeguarding the region’s environment, economy and way of life from biosecurity threats.
In a statement, Biosecurity Taranaki, just the second regional collaboration of its type in New Zealand, said it would work to raise awareness, build capability and protect the region’s future.
Chairperson Willy Harvey said he took on the leadership role because he was passionate about Taranaki and its future.
Biosecurity Taranaki was a growing network and Harvey was keen to hear from anyone interested in partnering with it.
“It takes all of us to protect what we love about Taranaki. Biosecurity affects all of us, so the more diverse our membership, the more effective we will be.”
Stuart Anderson, deputy director-general Biosecurity New Zealand, said the launch marked a pivotal milestone for Taranaki.
“Biosecurity New Zealand will work with Biosecurity Taranaki and its members to build a community of biosecurity champions who will advocate for, and take action to, ensure the very best biosecurity outcomes, protecting this incredible region. Working together we are stronger – this is biosecurity in action.”
Taranaki Regional Council chairperson Charlotte Littlewood said the collective was an exciting initiative that would complement the council’s long-running pest management programmes.
“Protecting Taranaki from pests and diseases is a massive task but by all working together we’re giving ourselves the best possible chance of success.”
During the launch there were talks from several people including Julie Healey, chairperson of Ngāti Te Whiti Hapū, Graeme Marshall, past co-chairperson of Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital.
There was also a panel discussion around the role of biosecurity in building a thriving future for Taranaki and a variety of displays – from freshwater clams to wallabies to sea spurge and a demonstration by a possum detection dog.
Biosecurity Taranaki’s membership currently includes Agriculture & Investment Services, Asurequality, Biosecurity New Zealand, Ngāti Te Whiti Hapū, Paraninihi Ki Waitōtara (PKW) Port Taranaki, Taranaki Catchment Communities, Taranaki Regional Council, Te Heru Māpara, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui, Te Whatu Ora Taranaki. For more information visit www. thisisus.nz/biosecurity-taranaki or contact Harvey on 027 284 4380.