With the ever-increasing threat of invasive pests and diseases, it is important that we come together to discuss the latest advancements and strategies to ensure the protection of our environment, economy, and way of life.
Biosecurity is a critical issue in New Zealand due to the country's unique and fragile ecosystem. The government has put in place an extensive biosecurity system to protect against invasive species and diseases that could have devastating effects on the country's environment, economy, and public health. With so many pathways for dangers to enter - the system includes measures such as strict border controls, surveillance, and monitoring of pests and diseases, as well as education and awareness programs for the public. Despite these efforts, the country faces ongoing challenges, in particular a lack of technology available to address all potential risks, and everyone has a role to play in maintaining a strong and effective biosecurity system.
Our panel of expert speakers will provide valuable insights into the current state of New Zealand's biosecurity and the challenges that lie ahead. From emerging technologies to innovative approaches, this event will showcase the strategy and developments that are shaping the future of biosecurity.
Join us for an engaging discussion and learn how we can all play a role in safeguarding the future of New Zealand's unique and precious biodiversity.
Timings:
9.00am : Welcome & Introduction from B.linc
9.10am : Philip Hulme – Lincoln University
Give an overview about NZ Biosecurity, why it is important and what is the current focus. Provide examples like MBOVIS on the approach to eradicate. How do you see this changing moving forward? What other aspects of Biosecurity might need to change to improve?
9.25am : Grant Matthews, Biosecurity NZ (MPI)
Share where the Government is at in setting a new strategy for New Zealand. Focussing on the Dairy sector, what changes could we see coming and what is the reason behind the new goals.
9.40am : Liz Shackleton, Dairy NZ
Share your experience in dealing with biosecurity breaches (MBOVIS) What work are you currently doing to ensure New Zealand stays among the best in the world for its biosecurity practices? How do you see NZ’s biosecurity changing moving forward?
9.55am : Panel discussion/Interactive Q&A session with audience
10.30am : Event finishes
Our speakers
Professor Philip Hulme, Lincoln University
Philip Hulme is the Distinguished Professor of Plant Biosecurity at Lincoln University, New Zealand and Director of the Centre for One-Biosecurity Research, Analysis and Synthesis (COBRAS). His research interests span the biosecurity continuum and addresses pathways of introduction, invasive species risk assessment, dispersal and spread as well as impacts on ecosystems, and designing effective management strategies. He has examined invasions in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems examining the invasion of New Zealand by fungal pathogens, weeds and mammals. He is keen to see a more integrated and transdisciplinary approach to invasion science under the umbrella of One Biosecurity.
Liz Shackleton, DairyNZ
Liz leads DairyNZ’s biosecurity team which includes their teams work supporting the farming community within the Mycoplasma bovis Programme.
She has spent her career in New Zealand working as a large animal veterinarian in the rural community and in various strategic leadership roles in biosecurity, animal health, pharmaceutical and regulatory sectors.
A Chartered Member of NZ Institute of Directors, Liz also supports governance roles including the Veterinary Council of New Zealand and is an alumnus of the Australia New Zealand College of Vet Surgeons and Institute for Strategic Leadership.
Her key interests are strategic leadership, partnerships, growing others and our national biosecurity capability.
Grant Matthews, Ministry for Primary Industries
Grant graduated with a Veterinary Science degree from Massey University in 1998, where he headed to Southland to commence Rural Mixed animal practice. After having moved to South Otago to get more dairy work, the great OE beckoned. This was largely small animal locums until Foot and mouth disease broke out, where he did 7 months based in Yorkshire, including culling properties and overseeing Cleansing and disinfection of culled properties. On return to New Zealand, nutrition became a strong interest and after some dairy consulting work worked for Pioneer selling maize seed in a technical role, focussing on nutrition, and finished as South Island Business Manager with a team of 8. During this time, he successfully passed the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists examination in Ruminant Nutrition. Moving to Australia, Grant worked for a stock feed mill as sales manager and nutritionist. He joined the Ministry for Primary Industries early 2019 in the Mycoplasma bovis eradication programme based in Christchurch finishing as team manager for the Regional Veterinarian and Sample Management teams before joining the office of the Chief Veterinary Officer as a Principal Advisor May 2022. Since then, he has been involved with Foot and Mouth Disease preparedness and other exotic diseases.
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