New TMBC Mural Shines a Light on Myrtle Rust
TMBC are proud to have commissioned a new mural by local artist Arohanoa Mathews (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui) to raise awareness of myrtle rust and inspire our community to protect our taiao.
Arohanoa’s artwork, Toa o Te Taiao, highlights the growing threat of myrtle rust and its impact on our native taonga species. The piece encourages our community to stay vigilant and play an active role in protecting the health and resilience of our environment for future generations.
The mural also includes an integrated QR code linking directly to a “Find & Report” page, making it easy for the public to learn more and report suspected sightings.
Mural location
Make sure to head down to Mount Mainstreet to check out the mural, you can find it at 134 Maunganui Road , Mount Maunganui – next to the Kiwiana Shop.
TMBC Partners Forum Draws Record Attendance
A huge thank you to everyone who joined our final Partners Forum of the year as we focused on New Zealand’s response to the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina).
We had record-breaking attendance and an incredibly engaged audience. If you missed the session or would like to revisit the speaker points, you can now find their PowerPoints on the TMBC website. We’ve also captured the key audience questions and our speakers are preparing written responses, which will be added to the website shortly. Keep an eye out for updates.
Latest Response update:
To date (11 December 2025), there have been 34 confirmed queen hornets found (based on specimens). 22 of the 34 confirmed queen hornets were found with either developed nests or evidence of nesting. Public vigilance continues to make a real difference, with over 5,610 notifications received so far.
If you’d like to support the response at home, MPI has guidance on how to make your own trap and what to look for.
Making a Splash at the Manu Champs
TMBC will be on site at the Tauranga Moana Manu Champs 2025 , taking place on Saturday 13 December at the Tauranga Waterfront Tidal Steps. We’ll be sharing summer biosecurity tips and resources – bring the whānau down and come say kia ora!
While you’re there, take part in the Bay-wide Biosecurity Hunt through the Actionbound app. Complete the trail and share your best photo in-app to be in the draw – one lucky participant will take home the prize!
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Update
This season has begun with increased activity, with 19 live Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB) detected since October, compared with 6 in the same period last year. While no detections were made in September, Biosecurity New Zealand has strengthened surveillance with 300 traps now in place.
Public awareness is also proving effective. In Wellington, a family returning from Italy recognised 8 live BMSB from Biosecurity NZ materials and reported them immediately. A rapid response followed, and no further insects were found, showing the power of informed travellers and quick reporting.
Freshwater Clam Detected in Taranaki – Check, Clean, Dry Reminder
Lake Rotomanu in New Plymouth is temporarily closed to motorised watercraft after the invasive freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea was detected – the first confirmed find outside the Waikato River and Lake Taupō Aqua Park.
Delimiting surveys are underway across nearby waterways, and with Summer on the way, it’s a timely reminder to Check, Clear, Dry your gear when in and around our waterways.
Learn the three steps in Mayor Mahé Drysdale’s video below, and find more information on the MPI website.
Controlled Area Notices (CANs)
Biosecurity New Zealand has introduced updated Controlled Area Notices (CANs) at five caulerpa-affected locations across the Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel and Bay of Islands. The new framework is designed to make the rules simpler to understand while continuing to reduce the risk of spreading exotic caulerpa.
There are now two types of zones:
Yellow Zones – Low to Moderate Risk
Most areas fall into this category. Activities such as anchoring, line fishing, drift fishing, spearfishing and potting are allowed – but before moving locations you must check your anchor, chain and gear, and bag and bin any seaweed found. Methods that disturb the seabed (like trawling, dredging or flounder netting) are not permitted.
Red Zones – High Risk
These areas have dense caulerpa or high ecological/cultural value. Anchoring and any fishing that contacts the seabed are not allowed, and in Te Rāwhiti Inlet, no fishing is permitted at all.
Updated maps and full details for each location are available on the Biosecurity New Zealand website.
See Weed? Bag it. Bin it.
Exotic caulerpa can easily hitchhike on anchors, chains, fishing gear and dive equipment, and once moved, it can quickly spread to new areas. This summer, we’re asking everyone heading out on the water to take a moment to check their gear before moving locations.
Out on the water? See it? Bag it. Bin it.
Before leaving a site:
- Check your anchor, chain and any in-water gear for seaweed (even if you have an automatic retrieval system).
- If you find any seaweed: remove it, bag or contain it securely, and dispose of it ashore in a rubbish bin.
- If you can’t contain it safely, return it to the water it came from.
If you spot seaweed once you’re back on shore, remove it and bin it.
Keep an eye out for exotic caulerpa species and report suspected sightings to MPI. Take a photo, if possible, and note the location. Then either:
freephone 0800 809 966 or complete the online form at report.mpi.govt.nz
School Holiday Adventure Awaits
The Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Hunt is still live and ready for you to explore these school holidays!
Grab your whānau, download the free Actionbound app, and head out on an adventure across the Bay. Each hunt is packed with fun biosecurity themed challenges that get tamariki learning, exploring, and helping to protect our environment from invasive pests – all while having a great day out. Pick a location near you, soak up the fresh air, and see if you can track down the Bay’s “Most Wanted” critters!
Save the Date…
Special Edition: March Partners Forum – Sea Week
Date: Thursday 5 March 2026
Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Cost: Free to attend
Join us for a special Sea Week edition of our Partners Forum, bringing our network together for an interactive exploration of marine and coastal biosecurity across Tauranga Moana.
Expect short talks from experts, engaging activations, and a relaxed chance to connect with partners and champions across the region. We’re working on an exciting hands-on element – more details coming soon.
All are welcome, and attendance is free. Save the date and stay tuned for the full announcement.
Thank you for your continued support. We wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events in 2026.