Aquaculture sector joins the GIA biosecurity partnership
Aquaculture New Zealand is the latest primary sector group to protect its valuable industry from pests and diseases by
joining the GIA biosecurity partnership.
Aquaculture New Zealand represents the Greenshell mussel, King salmon and Pacific oyster industries. It consulted with
its members and agreed to join the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA).
The final step in the process is the signing of the GIA Deed, which occurred today at the annual New Zealand aquaculture
conference in Blenheim, in a ceremony attended by senior representatives of the aquaculture industry, and Ray Smith,
Director-General of MPI.
Aquaculture joins the 23 other industry sectors that have agreed to work with Government, and each other, to deal with
pests or pathogens specific to their primary industry sectors. This includes the majority of the horticultural and
livestock sectors, representing some $40b of commercial activity across NZ.
Aquaculture New Zealand Chair Bruce Hearn says joining GIA is a positive step for the industry.
“Our pristine environment and innovative people combine to make New Zealand one of the world’s great aquaculture
producers, renowned for some of the highest quality seafood products available. It is critical we take all possible
steps to protect this unique advantage. Joining GIA furthers this goal by ensuring aquaculture producers have an
important seat around the table when decisions are being made on biosecurity issues.”
“By working together we will give ourselves the best opportunity to deliver better biosecurity outcomes”, said Mr.
Hearn. “The aquaculture industry employs over 3,000 people in New Zealand and generates over $600m in domestic and
international sales and, as such, it is vital we do everything we can to protect the livelihood of our members.
Jen Scoular, GIA’s Governance Group Chair, welcomed the arrival of Aquaculture NZ into the GIA partnership, describing
it as a significant addition.
“It’s really important to have such a key sector represented in GIA. We now have every major primary industry group
sitting around the decision-making table with Government, making the GIA partnership truly representative of the primary
sector. This will allow for better industry skills and information sharing and a coordinated approach to biosecurity.
“GIA provides a unique forum where the Crown and the broad range of primary sector industries can work together to
deliver better biosecurity. We look forward to working in partnership together to deliver better biosecurity,” Ms
Scoular said.
To find out more about GIA visit www.gia.org.nz
ENDS