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."
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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
City Date Hui Public
meeting Time Venue Time Venue Whangarei Wednesday 31
August 10.00am – 1.00pm Pehiawari Marae 99 Ngunuguru
Rd Glenbervie Whangarei 2.00pm – 5.00pm Northland
Cricket Club 70 Okara Drive
Kensington Whangarei Christchurch Thursday 1
September 11.00am – 2.00pm Council Room George Forbes
Memorial Building Lincoln University Ellesmere
Junction Road Lincoln 2.30 – 5.30pm Council
Room George Forbes Memorial Building Lincoln
University Ellesmere Junction
Road Lincoln Invercargill Thursday 8 September
9.30am – 12.30pm Ascot Park Hotel Corner of Tay Street
& Racecourse
Road Invercargill
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