Kia ora Dan,

Thank you for your official information request received on 19 August 2024.

We have been in touch with the subject matter expert who has expressed they are happy to respond to your queries directly, rather than logging this under the Official Information Act 1982.

I have forwarded on your request, they will be in touch soon.

Ngâ mihi,

Official Information Act Team
Government Services | Public Affairs
Ministry for Primary Industries – Manatû Ahu Matua
Charles Fergusson Building, 38-42 Bowen Street | PO Box 2526 | Wellington 6140 | New Zealand
Telephone: 04 894 5544 | Web: www.mpi.govt.nz

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Hi Dan

Below, as requested, is a response via the FYI website.

 

In terms of how Biosecurity New Zealand developed as an organisation, the
NZ History website has a good overview of the organisation’s iterations
over the years, as well as how it developed from having a focus mainly on
the border and quarantine services, to the development of the Biosecurity
Act 1993 and the organisation it is today, which encompasses all aspects
of the biosecurity system with a focus on protecting the natural
environment. Here is the [1]link to the NZ History site. This page was
commissioned by Ministry for Primary Industries and was last updated in
2023.

  

The recent Briefing to the Incoming Minister (linked on [2]this page of
the MPI website) has information on the role of Biosecurity New Zealand
and how it operates within MPI, and the role of the Biosecurity Minister,
along with information on the other agencies we work with, such as the
Department of Conservation (DOC – pages 5 and 6). This document was
prepared for the new government formed after the 2023 election and was
published in February 2024.

  

Biosecurity New Zealand is accountable for leadership of the end-to-end
biosecurity system. However, the interests of other agencies and
organisations (including DOC) can be significantly impacted by unwanted
pests and diseases, and they have important roles to play in threat
mitigation and management. DOC relies on MPI to take account of risks to
conservation and indigenous biodiversity when undertaking biosecurity risk
assessments and making biosecurity decisions. MPI relies on DOC to provide
expert advice and operational support towards its work to protect New
Zealand from biological risk. Both agencies work together closely, and the
DOC biosecurity team provides an important conduit between the two
agencies and helps to coordinate DOC input and advice into biosecurity
matters of common interest.

  

The following pages on the MPI website may also provide some information
of interest to you:

•              [3]Introduction to biosecurity legislation

•              [4]About biosecurity in New Zealand  

 

Ngâ mihi

Lesley

 

Lesley Patston | Principal Adviser – Kaitohutohu Mâtâmua | Communications
and Engagement | Public Affairs | Ministry for Primary Industries - Manatû
Ahu Matua | Charles Fergusson Building, 34-38 Bowen Street | PO Box 2526 |
Wellington 6140 | New Zealand Telephone: 64-4-830 1645 | [mobile number]-27-2483513 | Web: [5]www.mpi.govt.nz

 

 

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