The 2020 Biosecurity Award finalists named today represent outstanding contributions by biosecurity champions making a difference to protect New Zealand’s unique environment from pests and diseases, says the Ministry for Primary Industries.
The 27 finalists named out of a pool of 70 entries include a kindergarten where its pupils are learning to become guardians of the bush, and volunteers who commit their weekends to cleaning up their local river.
This year has seen more Kiwi kids taking part with the addition of the Kura (School) Award.
Judging panel chairman Dr John Hellstrom says the efforts of all of the high-calibre entrants – both individuals and organisations who devote their time and passion into protecting what we have – were outstanding.
“It was really hard to pick only 3 finalists in each category, and there was a lot of thoughtful debate amongst the judging panel.
“There were also many examples of people who were making huge personal commitments to biosecurity on behalf of us all,” Dr Hellstrom says.
The finalists represent a diverse range of individuals, teams, iwi, schools and community groups, businesses, government agencies and research organisations.
The Biosecurity Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate some of the exceptional contributions that so many New Zealanders make to safeguard our biosecurity system, says Penny Nelson, head of Biosecurity New Zealand.
“Every entrant deserves recognition and support because they are all stepping up to do something to protect and preserve our environment, primary industries and way of life.
“Their magnificent mahi is fundamental in keeping our biosecurity system strong, and every day they are putting in the hard yards to ensure New Zealand continues to have a world-leading biosecurity system,” she says.
Award winners will be announced in November.
The finalists are –
Department of Conservation Community Pihinga Award for new projects/initiatives
New Zealand Marine Studies Centre – Seashore monitoring for marine pests: A citizen science approach
Better Border Biosecurity/Auckland Botanic Gardens – The Biosecurity Trail at Auckland Botanic Gardens
Predator Free Wellington – Miramar eradication project
Department of Conservation Community Kahiwi Award for established projects/initiatives
Windy Hill Rosali Catchment Trust – Windy Hill Sanctuary, Great Barrier Island
Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust
Friends of Waiwhetu Stream – Against the odds
Te Tira Whakamātaki Māori Award
Ngāti Porou – Graeme Atkins
Te Rawhiti 3B2 Ahu Whenua Trust – Nga Kaitiaki o Ipipiri Herenga Waaka (Guardians of Bay of Islands)
Te Poho o Rawiri Marae – Whaia Tītīrangi
Kura (School) Award
Kerikeri Kindergarten Ngahere Programme
Lynmore Primary School – Lynmore Hunga Tiaki
St Paul’s Collegiate School – Understanding biosecurity future proofing strategies in New Zealand secondary schools
GIA Industry Award
Fruit Fly Council – Fruit Fly Response 2019
Miraka – Te Ara Miraka: Achieving enhanced biosecurity awareness and culture change on-farm
Plant Research (NZ) Ltd – New Zealand achieves a world-first eradication of pea weevil
Eagle Technology Local and Central Government Award
Waikato Regional Council – Waikato alligator weed management programme
Wellington City Council – Animal pest management dashboard for Wellington City
Mary van Andel, MPI – Strategic leadership for Mycoplasma bovis and COVID-19 responses
Bio-Protection Research Centre Science Award
Victoria University of Wellington – Mātauranga Māori and molecular science: working together to stop kauri dieback and other plant diseases.
OnSide – Network technology to inform risk-based testing, eradicating biosecurity incursions in the primary sector
Epi-Interactive – Scientific excellence strengthening New Zealand biosecurity and One Health frameworks
Mondiale Innovation Award
Onside – Network technology to inform risk-based testing, eradicating biosecurity incursions in the primary sector
Predator Free Wellington – Miramar eradication project
Groundtruth Ltd – Trap.nz
AsureQuality Emerging Leader Award
Ethan McCormick from Howick College
Yanika Te Paea Reiter from the University of Waikato
Thomas (Tame) Malcolm from Te Tira Whakamātaki and Te Arawa Waka
Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
