INDEPENDENT NEWS

Biosecurity Awards Celebrate The Champions Protecting Aotearoa

Published: Wed 23 Sep 2020 10:31 AM
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.
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, to volunteers who commit their weekend 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 - was outstanding.
“It was really hard to pick only three 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 mid-November.
New Zealand Biosecurity Awards 2020 Finalists:
Department of Conservation Community Pihinga Award for new projects/initiativesNew Zealand Marine Studies Centre - Seashore monitoring for marine pests: A citizen science approachBetter Border Biosecurity/Auckland Botanic Gardens - The Biosecurity Trail at Auckland Botanic GardensPredator Free Wellington - Miramar eradication project
Department of Conservation Community Kahiwi Award for established projects/initiativesWindy Hill Rosali Catchment Trust - Windy Hill Sanctuary, Great Barrier IslandRotokare Scenic Reserve TrustFriends of Waiwhetu Stream - Against the odds
Te Tira Whakamātaki Māori AwardNgāti Porou - Graeme AtkinsTe 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) AwardKerikeri Kindergarten Ngahere ProgrammeLynmore Primary School - Lynmore Hunga TiakiSt Paul's Collegiate School - Understanding biosecurity future proofing strategies in New Zealand secondary schools
GIA Industry AwardFruit Fly Council - Fruit Fly Response 2019Miraka - Te Ara Miraka: achieving enhanced biosecurity awareness and culture change on-farmPlant Research (NZ) Ltd - New Zealand achieves a world first eradication of pea weevil
Eagle Technology Local and Central Government AwardWaikato Regional Council - Waikato alligator weed management programmeWellington City Council – Animal pest management dashboard for Wellington CityMary van Andel, MPI - Strategic leadership for Mycoplasma bovis and COVID -19 responses
Bio-Protection Research Centre Science AwardVictoria 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 sectorEpi-Interactive - Scientific excellence strengthening New Zealand biosecurity and One Health frameworks
Mondiale Innovation AwardOnside - Network technology to inform risk-based testing, eradicating biosecurity incursions in the primary sectorPredator Free Wellington - Miramar eradication projectGroundtruth Ltd - Trap.nz
AsureQuality Emerging Leader AwardEthan McCormick from Howick CollegeYanika Te Paea Reiter from the University of WaikatoThomas (Tame) Malcolm from Te Tira Whakamātaki and Te Arawa Waka

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