Media Release
27 September 2001
Vigilance Needed to Protect New Zealand’s Biosecurity
A national programme aimed at encouraging people to be more vigilant about biosecurity was launched in Auckland,
Christchurch and Wellington today by the Minister for Biosecurity Hon Jim Sutton supported by Deputy Prime Minister Hon
Jim Anderton and Hon Marian Hobbs, Associate Minister for Biosecurity and Minister for the Environment.
The programme, entitled Protect New Zealand, has been designed to build public awareness of the importance of protecting
New Zealand against economic and social consequences arising from an increasing range of biosecurity threats.
Mr Sutton said that New Zealand is facing increased biosecurity risks and we need to be vigilant. The recent cases such
as the varroa mite and the dispersion of the painted apple moth are two examples of the dangers we face. Foot and Mouth
is another disease that could potentially cripple New Zealand’s economy.
“One serious new pest could threaten our economy, our health, our jobs and our lifestyle. We have witnessed the effect
of Foot and Mouth in Europe. It has been catastrophic for Britain. This must not happen in New Zealand. Introduced pests
pose a threat to the nation’s future well-being. We’ve all seen the extensive damage to our native flora and fauna by
possums and other exotic species,” said Mr Sutton.
“New Zealand has one of the most comprehensive biosecurity systems in the world, but these systems are under more
pressure from increased trade and travel. Our protection measures must evolve and develop accordingly. These threats
extend from primary production and can impact on human health and our environment.”
“New Zealand is special, and with a concerted effort by all New Zealanders, we will improve our chances of protecting
New Zealand from the ever-widening array of risky organisms,” he said.
Planning of the programme began before the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Europe, though it provides a
good example of the risks, which face New Zealand.
“Protect New Zealand will provide a national focus on the actions and activities we all have to take to protect
ourselves”, said Mr Sutton.
A key element of the programme is the promotion of the Protect New Zealand brand, which will be championed by Max the
Beagle, an animated cartoon character modelled on beagle detector dogs at airports. Max will feature in a series of
television advertisements and on the Protect New Zealand website.
Dr Barry O’Neil, Group Director of MAF Biosecurity Authority, says the primary focus of the campaign is to raise
awareness of the risks introduced pests and diseases pose for New Zealand - across all sectors.
Dr O’Neil acknowledged the enormous challenge of managing these pests, or preventing them from entering the country, but
said New Zealanders must act responsibly.
“Do not bring restricted goods into the country. Inform visiting family and friends that New Zealand takes its
biosecurity seriously. If you find any strange bug or plant check it out on the Protect New Zealand website then call
0800 809 966 if you suspect you have found an exotic pest or disease,” said Dr O’Neil.
The Protect New Zealand campaign covers biosecurity awareness in the marine/aquaculture, horticulture, agriculture,
forestry, conservation, environmental and health sectors. It targets awareness of pre-border, border and post-border
biosecurity measures and responsibilities.
The launch of the Protect New Zealand campaign coincides with the release of a national issues paper: Developing a
Biosecurity Strategy for New Zealand. Produced by the Biosecurity Strategy Development Team, it forms the basis of
nation-wide consultations that will feed into a final Biosecurity Strategy for release in December 2002.
This evolving strategy has involved stakeholder groups working with key government and sector agencies to identify
specific issues relevant to New Zealand’s biosecurity.
The paper provides a comprehensive outline of issues relating to increasing biosecurity risks and is the first stage of
a programme to develop an over-arching Biosecurity Strategy for the nation.
For further information on the Protect New Zealand campaign, visit the website www.protectnz.org.nz
Media contact details:
Gita Parsot
MAF Biosecurity Authority
Telephone (04) 498 9806
ATTACHMENTS...
BIOSECURITY STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Media Release - embargoed till 8am, Thursday 27 September 2001
Comprehensive new Biosecurity Strategy being developed
The Biosecurity Strategy Development Team today released a comprehensive outline of issues related to the
ever-increasing biosecurity risks that threaten our economy, health and environment.
The Issues Paper: Developing a Biosecurity Strategy for New Zealand will form the basis of nation-wide public
consultation during the next three months. It was developed after a series of workshops and meetings held during April,
May and June with groups and organisations interested in biosecurity, and with key government agencies.
The Issues Paper, launched alongside the Protect New Zealand campaign about the risks of exotic pests and diseases, is
the first stage of a programme to develop an over-arching Biosecurity Strategy for the nation. The Biosecurity Strategy
Development Team is seeking public input into development of the Biosecurity Strategy in order to review, enhance and
widen the scope of our biosecurity protection.
A nation-wide series of 60 workshops, public meetings and a national hui will be held over the next three months to get
input into the strategy. A draft strategy will be released for further public comment next April and be finalised at the
end of 2002.
“As a country we already do a lot to protect ourselves from risks posed by pests and diseases,” says Biosecurity
Strategy Development project manager, Dr Malcolm Crawley.
“But increasing trade and travel, and climate change, bring greater biosecurity risks. Those risks from pests and
diseases threaten our economy, our health, our environment, our entire way of life. The potential costs are enormous.
“Our plan is to develop a comprehensive Biosecurity Strategy which will provide an overall direction for biosecurity in
New Zealand. It will help us assess and manage biosecurity risks not only to primary production, but also to human
health, the environment, and Maori taonga for the future.
“The Biosecurity Strategy is likely to integrate, strengthen and set our priorities for biosecurity programmes. It will
also provide a framework for biosecurity decision-making and legislation and could recommend new biosecurity structural
arrangements. As there is a lot at stake, we are encouraging everyone interested in biosecurity to contribute. We
welcome their views.”
For more information about the Biosecurity Strategy Development Project and for a copy of the Issues Paper, view the
website at www.biostrategy.govt.nz , call free phone 0800-STRATEGY (0800 787 283) or email: bsdteam@biostrategy.govt.nz
For more about Max the Beagle and the Protect NZ campaign see www.protectnz.org.nz
Media contact: Dr Malcolm Crawley, Biostrategy Development Team, ph 04 460 8778
Schedule of Public Meeting Locations follows on next page.
BIOSECURITY STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Biosecurity Strategy - Schedule of Public Consultation Meeting Locations
Venues and times of public meetings and the national hui will be advertised in public notices of newspapers:
Hamilton Wednesday 10 October
Tauranga Thursday 11 October
Whangarei Tuesday 16 October
Auckland Wednesday 17 October
Auckland Thursday 18 October
Blenheim Tuesday 23 October
Nelson Wednesday 24 October
Greymouth Thursday 25 October
Porirua Tuesday 30 October
Palmerston North Thursday 1 November
Masterton Wednesday 31 October
Gisborne Monday 5 November
Napier Tuesday 6 November
Rotorua Wednesday 7 November
New Plymouth Thursday 8 November
Dunedin Tuesday 13 November
Queenstown Wednesday 14 November
Invercargill Thursday 15 November
Christchurch Tuesday 20 November
Timaru Wednesday 21 November
Background Information
27 September 2001
www.protectnz.org.nz
Introduction
This briefing paper provides additional information on the “Protect New Zealand” biosecurity awareness programme. Please
note visuals including the logo can be downloaded via the website www.protectnz.org.nz. To access these, go to the
general section of the site and select “downloads’ where a username and password are required. These are:
Username: downloads
Password: beagle
What is “biosecurity”?
Biosecurity is the protection of New Zealand’s economy, people’s health, environment, flora and fauna, and Maori taonga
from risks posed by pests and diseases. It includes preventing the arrival of new pests and diseases and eradicating and
controlling those already present.
The Biosecurity Council is a Ministerial advisory group. It includes representatives from:
- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
- Department of Conservation
- Environmental Risk Management Authority
- Ministry of Health
- Ministry of Fisheries
- Regional Councils
- Ministry for the Environment
- Ministry of Research, Science and Technology
- Te Puni Kokiri
It also has a member representing environmental organisations and a representative of primary production groups.
New Zealand does a great deal to protect itself from biosecurity risks. Its biosecurity programme is one of the best in
the world.
“Protect New Zealand” targets awareness of pre-border, border and post-border biosecurity measures and responsibilities.
What issues do we have to deal with?
Increasing number of travellers 3.5 million passengers by air
20,000 by sea annually
Increasing amounts of imported goods 350,000 containers annually
Increasing amounts of mail 52 million mail items annually
Changing climatic conditions Increasing temperatures mean that some pests which were previously unable to survive New
Zealand winters are now able to do so.
To demonstrate the risk:
- More than 2,500 ships visit New Zealand’s ports every year. Four to six million tonnes of ballast water is discharged
into New Zealand waters every year.
- 70% of the introduced marine species in New Zealand probably arrived attached to vessels’ hulls.
- In the year ending March 2001, MAF seized 8,196 meat and poultry, 2,302 dairy products and 143,710 plant product
items. This equates to an average of 422 items intercepted each day.
- Southern Saltmarsh Mosquito transmits diseases like the Ross River virus. $4 million for eradication in Tairawhiti
region alone. If established, epidemics are likely to occur throughout New Zealand.
Some Overseas Cases We Don’t Want Here and the Estimated Costs
- Controlling the invasive zebra mussel in the United States will cost around US$5 billion over the next 10 years.
- The Foot and Mouth crisis in the United Kingdom has cost Britain more than $30 billion:
- Tourism is losing $30 million per month
- Farming is losing $3 million per week
- More than 1600 cases diagnosed
- More than three million animals have been killed
Key Developments
- Pre 1996 biosecurity focused on the agricultural sector.
- December 1996 appointment of a Minister for Biosecurity. The portfolio was broadened beyond the agricultural sector.
- 1997 Biosecurity Council was established bringing together all government agencies for a more co-ordinated approach.
- February 2000 Biodiversity Strategy launched confirming the critical role of biosecurity in protecting our diversity.
- June 2000 the Government announced the funding for the development of a Biosecurity Strategy to ensure an incorporated
strategic approach for the whole of New Zealand.
Current Approach
- The Government currently allocates $123 million dollars to New Zealand’s biosecurity programme that includes $34
million for possum control.
- The Government has dedicated an extra $6 million this year and a further $8 million for the next three years to
strengthen measures to ensure Foot and Mouth Disease does not reach New Zealand.
- Current research has identified areas where the message is not getting through and these results have helped sculpt a
new innovative approach to managing biosecurity issues. The “Protect New Zealand” biosecurity awareness programme aims
to maximise the Government’s investment into reducing biosecurity risks.
- The Biosecurity Strategy Development Team is working with key agencies to develop a strategy to cope with the evolving
biosecurity challenges facing New Zealand.
New Zealand is worth protecting?
New Zealand is a very special place.
- Of New Zealand’s native species:
ƒ{ 85% of our trees, ferns and flowering plants
ƒ{ 25% of all Birds
ƒ{ All species of weta
ƒ{ 60 reptiles
ƒ{ Four remaining frog species
ƒ{ Two bat species
ARE ONLY FOUND IN NEW ZEALAND!
- We are a small island nation, known world wide for our clean green image, and unique flora and fauna.
- Less than 10% of the world’s pests and diseases exist here.
New Zealand’s sea-based and primary industries account for more than half of our export earnings.
- Increasing trade and travel is placing extra pressure on our biosecurity defence systems designed to keep invaders
out.
- One serious new pest could threaten our economy, our health, our jobs or our lifestyle. The biosecurity focus is
broader than primary production and includes human health and indigenous species.
- Our aquaculture, agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and tourism industries could all be seriously affected.
Elements of “Protect New Zealand”
- “Protect New Zealand” is the biosecurity awareness programme designed to educate and raise awareness of New Zealand’s
biosecurity activities across all sectors.
- It covers biosecurity in the marine/aquaculture, horticulture, agriculture, forestry, conservation, environmental and
health sectors.
- The programme provides a framework for biosecurity education and awareness that can be accessed by central and local
government agencies, industry groups, pathway operators, retailers, non-government agencies and the general public.
- “Protect New Zealand” features a new overarching logo to help unite and focus the programme.
- Max the Beagle - a state of the art, animated character - is the messenger to assist in the education and awareness of
the new programme.
- www.protectnz.org.nz is a one-stop shop for biosecurity information.
- The programme will involve an umbrella TV advertising campaign that features Max the Beagle.
- A “Protect New Zealand” Week and International Conference are planned for May 2002.
Aims and Approach of “Protect New Zealand”
- “Protect New Zealand” aims to increase public awareness of the meaning and importance of biosecurity in New Zealand
and to change the attitudes and behaviours of people to reflect an individual responsibility for biosecurity.
- The Key Messages of the programme are simple:
ƒ{ New Zealand has something worth protecting
ƒ{ Protection is possible
ƒ{ Everyone has a part to play in protecting New Zealand
- “Protect New Zealand” will involve working collectively with a wide range of organisations to help disperse these
messages.
- The programme targets all people living in or visiting New Zealand. Specific campaigns are being developed to target
high risk groups or groups most likely to come in contact with biosecurity risks, such as gardeners, importers, marine
users, travellers, people involved in outdoor pursuits and specific ethnic groups.
Developing a Biosecurity Strategy for New Zealand
- The Biosecurity Development Team has released an issues paper that provides a basis for nation-wide consultation on a
Biosecurity Strategy for New Zealand. The Final Biosecurity Strategy is due for release in December 2002.
- To date, the process has involved stakeholder groups working with key Government and private sector agencies to
identify specific issues relevant to New Zealand’s biosecurity.
- The issues paper provides a comprehensive outline of issues relating to increasing biosecurity risks. The Biosecurity
Strategy Development Team is seeking public input into development of the Biosecurity Strategy, in order to review,
enhance and widen the scope of our biosecurity protection.
For visual information including the logo, images of Max the Beagle, and other pictures please download via
www.protectnz.org.nz. To access these, go to the general section of the site and select “downloads’ where a username and
password are required. These are:
Username: downloads
Password: beagle
CONTACT DETAILS
“Protect New Zealand”, MAF Biosecurity Authority
Gita Parsot (04) 498 9806
Biosecurity Strategy Development Team
Malcolm Crawley (04) 460 8778
www.protectnz.org.nz
27 September 2001
MEDIA KIT For “PROTECT NEW ZEALAND”
and Biosecurity Strategy
Please find enclosed:
- “Protect New Zealand” - media release
- “Protect New Zealand” - background information
- “Declare It - Protect New Zealand” - brochure
- Biosecurity Strategy - media release
- Biosecurity Strategy - schedule of public consultation meetings
- Biosecurity Strategy - background information
- Developing a Biosecurity Strategy for New Zealand - brochure
Downloadable versions of the “Protect New Zealand” Logo, and Max the Beagle are available on the website -
www.protectnz.org.nz. To access these, go to the general section of the site and select “downloads’ where a username and
password are required. These are:
Username: downloads
Password: beagle
The Issues Paper: Developing a Biosecurity Strategy for New Zealand and other information about the Biosecurity Strategy
is available on the website
www.biostrategy.govt.nz
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Gita Parsot
MAF Biosecurity Authority
Telephone (04) 498 9806
Dr Malcolm Crawley
Biosecurity Strategy Development Team
Telephone (04) 460 8778