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Biosecurity is everyone’s business - join the conversation
Biosecurity is everyone’s business - join the conversation
Date: 30 Aug 2016
The future of New Zealand's biosecurity system is under the spotlight with the Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI) Biosecurity 2025 consultation phase well under way.
MPI is holding more public meetings and hui in Whangarei and Christchurch this week, and has today announced a further public meeting on Thursday 8 September at Ascot Park Hotel, Corner of Tay Street & Racecourse Road, Invercargill.
The deadline for public submissions on the proposals outlined in the Biosecurity 2025 discussion document closes at 5pm on 9 September.
"This is a great opportunity for anyone with an interest in protecting our unique environment, economy – and its potential for growth, health, and way of life from harmful pests and diseases, to have their say," says Julie Collins, MPI’s Director of Biosecurity and Animal Welfare. "It's an important issue that affects everyone. We want to know what you think works, what doesn't, and what might."
Although the biosecurity system is robust and highly regarded internationally, this is the right time to be looking to its future, says Collins.
"We're living in an increasingly dynamic global world – more travel, more tourism, more trade – which while great for our economy and consumer choice is increasing the pressure across the system. Climate change, and the potential for warmer temperatures to affect those pests and diseases already in New Zealand and under control, adds to the risks."
So far, feedback has been positive on the proposals: to involve all New Zealanders – 4.7 million sets of eyes and ears; make better use of science, information, and technology; and boost careers and capability in biosecurity.
The main questions have been on how this will happen, says Collins.
"The new direction statement is the first step. Once it's released, we'll be discussing with our colleagues across the biosecurity system – other government agencies, regional councils, primary industries (many of which are partners in the Government Industry Agreement), Māori, importers, exporters, the travel industry, international trading partners, scientists, and community groups – to put it into action."
Meeting and hui information
Gordon Campbell: On The Royal Commission’s Fine-tuning Of Vaccine Mandates And Lockdowns
NZ Government: Chemical Weapons And Iranian Missiles Targeted In New Russia Sanctions
Ministry For Culture And Heritage: Reverberations Of Erebus Disaster Still Felt 45 Years Later
Watercare Services: No Cause For Concern After Slightly Elevated Levels Of Arsenic Detected In Treated Waikato River Water
Te Pāti Māori: Government’s First Year A ‘Catastrophe For Māori’
Department Of Internal Affairs: Samoan Citizenship Bill Passes Into Law
NZ National Party: National Acknowledges The Passing Of Hon Nikki Kaye
