Watchdog’s five years of work

Tauranga Moana Biosecurity

Capital launched ve years ago this month, to champion regional biosecurity through awareness, connection and capability building.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved in that time,” says outgoing TMBC co-chair Graeme Marshall. “We’ve come together as a group of people and organisations with a passion for protecting the environment against the devastating impact a biosecurity incursion would have on our economic and cultural health and wellbeing.” e aim of the organisation is to ensure people are aware of the ow-on e ects of many industries being brought to a halt if a pest or disease was detected.

From the complete shutdown of the Port to the impact on transport networks and the resulting loss of income for horticulture and agriculture sectors, Graeme warns an incursion could have a bigger impact on our local and national economy than Covid-19.

Shift perception

“We are on a mission to shift New Zealanders’ perception of biosecurity, how it connects to our everyday lives and livelihoods, and how we can all play our part.

“Our focus is on working with mana whenua, highlighting the importance of biosecurity, and building collaboration across iwi, hapū, community organisations, industry, business, science and mātauranga Māori experts, central government and local government to achieve biosecurity excellence.”

TMBC co-chair Carlton Bidois says a biosecurity incursion has the potential to a ect future generations – not just economically but culturally.

“We take the task of protecting against unwanted organisms seriously,” says Carlton.

“Biosecurity matters to anyone who harvests kaimoana or interacts with our mountains and native forests.

“It also matters to anyone earning a living and operating a business in the Western Bay of Plenty, where the economy is dependent on the natural environment.”

Collaborates

TMBC collaborates with organisations with ‘skin in the game’ regarding biosecurity, including regional councils, Port of Tauranga and stakeholders in the kiwifruit and avocado industries and Plant & Food Research, ensuring education, awareness and knowledge about ‘what to do if you spot a stink bug’, for example.

“We also take a multigenerational approach to our work with schools on getting children engaged with the environment through classroom lessons, garden projects and holiday programmes, as well as public awareness campaigns,” says Carlton.

For the past ve years, TMBC has worked as a loose collaboration but has now become an incorporated society. “ is will give us a more robust governance structure and deliver certainty for our partners and funders as a legal entity,” says Graeme.

“Building on our foundation of expertise, passion, and connection, TMBC is a great example of regional collaboration and partnership.

Hope

“Our hope is that other regions will pick up and adapt the TMBC model to extend biosecurity excellence across the country.”

At its inaugural AGM on July 17, TMBC formalised the change and welcomed new co-chair Dr Beccy Ganley.

Star hunt nearly over: Youngsters have only days left to celebrate Matariki at Tauranga Art Gallery! Until this Sunday, July 23, they can embark on a mission to locate all nine Matariki stars hidden throughout the gallery. A treat awaits the successful.