TMBC Biosecurity Excellence Symposium
We’re so pleased to share that this year’s TMBC Annual Symposium was a roaring success. Over 110 partners, stakeholders, and biosecurity doers and thinkers, came together at the Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club for a day of learning, great conversations, and inspiring speakers – all fuelled by a delicious spread from Rise Bakery and Kex Catering.
The programme highlighted the strength of our collective mahi and the passion driving efforts to protect what we love about Tauranga Moana. Attendees enjoyed thought-provoking talks, interactive sessions, and plenty of opportunities to connect. The Biosecurity Quiz, hosted by Lisa Gibson, kept everyone sharp, while a spot prize for best topic suggestion saw one lucky participant head home with a Bay Explorer double pass.
We were privileged to hear from an outstanding lineup of speakers who brought depth, energy, and fresh perspectives to the day:
- Mike Inglis, Commissioner North, Biosecurity New Zealand – Biosecurity: Engaging for Impact
- Chris Battershill, University of Waikato – Preventing the Spread of Caulerpa: Early Intervention and Retrofitting in Affected Zones
- Mark Whitworth, Cargo Services Manager, Port of Tauranga – Biosecurity at the Port of Tauranga: New Developments and Changing with the Times
- Andrew Cridge, Molecular Entomologist, Scion – Biosecurity Surveillance: Using Aerial eDNA for Detection of Invasive Species
- Courtney Kuralas, Deep Dive Division – Innovation & Restoration from Port to River
- Jasmine Apaapa, rangatahi perspective – Asian Paddle Crab: Working in Biosecurity through a Te Ao Māori Lens
- Ian Greaves, local kiwifruit grower – PSA in Kiwifruit: The Devastation & Emotional Toll
- Matire Duncan, Māori Caucus, TMBC – Tiakina Taiao: Connecting Tamariki with the Natural Environment
- Clare Rodgers and Nina Henderson, PiPs – Educating Rangatahi through Biosecurity
- Pete Thomson, CBO, Biosecurity New Zealand – Stepping Forward Together: Implementing the Biosecurity System Action Plan
- Dominic Hartnett, Surveillance Coordinator, SPS Biota – Beetle Trapping for Early Detection of Invasive Forestry Pests and Developing DNA Metabarcoding
- Phil Taylor, Managing Director, Port Blakely – Forest Shield: Exploring New Approaches to Primary Sector Biosecurity
A huge thank you to our speakers, funders, and everyone who came along. Your support and energy made the day one to remember, and we’re already looking forward to 2026.
Crossing Oceans and Sharing Solutions
Our September Online Partners Forum took on a global flavour, connecting biosecurity leaders from Aotearoa and around the world to explore common challenges and collaborative solutions for our marine environments.
Nick Holmes (The Nature Conservancy, California) and Annie Little (Channel Islands National Park Service) shared insights from the Channel Islands Biosecurity Programme, highlighting lessons from a recent audit and opportunities for cross-border collaboration. We also heard from Wendy Zapart (Auckland City Council) and Claire Warren (Department of Conservation) on their mahi in the Hauraki Gulf, and Scott Hardy (Whitsundays Regional Council) who presented on the Whitsundays’ Yellow Crazy Ant Programme.
The kōrero reinforced that while our coastlines and ecosystems may be unique, the challenges we face are shared, and by working together, we can amplify the impact of our efforts.
A huge thank you to all our presenters and everyone who joined us online. Your engagement and contributions made this International Edition a valuable and inspiring exchange of ideas. We’re looking forward to continuing this conversation.
TMBC Lifetime Members
| At this year’s AGM, we were proud to celebrate three outstanding individuals by appointing them as TMBC Lifetime Members. This special recognition acknowledges their long-standing commitment, leadership, and contribution to protecting and enhancing the biosecurity of Tauranga Moana. |
Congratulations Bill Dyck!
Bill works as a Knowledge Broker for the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge where his main task is to share the knowledge developed in the challenge with key stakeholders.
The approach that the Biological Heritage is taking to reverse the decline of biosecurity and biodiversity is completely different from traditional approaches, as it brings end-users and scientists together in the design process and ensures a strong iwi perspective.
Congratulations Graeme Marshall!
Graeme is a Director of Kiwifruit Vine Health. He has also been the Chair of the Biosecurity Ministerial Advisory Committee and member of the Biosecurity 2025 Steering Group. He is currently a Director of Port Taranaki and is on the governance board of the economic development group, Bay of Connections. Graeme is passionate about biosecurity and a strong advocate for the Ko Tātou This is Us campaign.
Congratulations Greg Corbett!
| Greg is Biosecurity Manager for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council leading a team of 15 biosecurity officers, including a dedicated biosecurity dive team. |
| Starting with the old Agricultural Pest Destruction Boards in the 1980’s, he has worked in biosecurity and pest management for most of his working life with a focus on pest animals. He has been with the regional council since 1995 and held several different roles including TB Vector Manager when Council supported OSPRI’s predecessor, the Animal Health Board, with managing possums and other TB vectors.Greg’s team focuses on working with landowners to deliver the Bay of Plenty Regional Pest Management Plan and supporting our regional communities with pest projects. |
School Holiday Adventures Await!
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!
Pond Friends or Foes
| While some aquatic plants and animals may look attractive, they could be causing more harm than good. Many people unknowingly have aquatic pests that pose a serious risk to the Bay of Plenty’s wetlands, lakes, rivers and streams. These invasive species can quickly take over, crowding out native or desirable plants. Their spread can block outflow pipes and form dense canopies that dry out ponds, altering their appearance and function. This is why early detection is critical. |
| This summer, Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s biosecurity team will be out inspecting backyard ponds, with a focus on the Western Bay. Their goal is to help landowners identify what’s growing in and around their ponds, while providing practical advice on how to remove unwanted species. Acting now prevents the spread of these pests downstream. Read more about aquatic plant and animal pests and how to spot them. |
Tis’ the Season for Tawain Cherry
While their pink blooms certainly bring some spring colour to our days, these pest trees do more harm than good. Their dense stands crowd out native species and neighbouring plants, while their seeds are easily dispersed by birds. They seem to thrive in all climates and conditions and once they’re established they become difficult to manage.
Taiwan cherry is a sustained controlled species in the Bay of Plenty Regional Pest Management Plan, which means the focus is on reducing their impacts and spread. We rely on people who have this pesty tree on their property to control and destroy them no matter how pretty they seem.
Read more about how to manage this pest plant here. Or hear directly from Weedy Wednesday hero Dave Grimmer in the video below, on why you need to deal with Taiwan cherry before it’s too late.
A Year of Biosecurity Challenges and Successes
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council recently released its 2024/25 Biosecurity Annual Report. With 94 aquatic, marine, plant and animal pests to control, eradicate and keep out of the region it’s a tough job to continue to hit the targets set.
Across the last 12 months, over 3,663 properties, 81,929 hectares of land and 2,914 boats were inspected. Encouragingly 92% of biosecurity programmes are on track to hit their ten-year targets. Find out more about the results and key case studies below.
Summer Boating Celebration
Summer is on our doorstep and the new boating season is calling!
Biosecurity New Zealand’s Protect Our Paradise team and Wild Chix are inviting Bay of Plenty boaties to join them for an event to mark the start of the new season.
Join them at the Tauranga Sport Fishing Club for a fun and informative evening on Wednesday, 15 October, 5.30 to 6.30pm
What to expect:
- Wild Chix & Biosecurity New Zealand: how to protect our paradise, what to watch out for this summer, and how you can help.
- Coastguard: tips for staying safe on the water with your whānau.
- Wild Chix: connect, laugh, ask questions, and get excited for summer adventures!
Refreshments provided. The club kitchen will be open if you’d like to grab dinner afterwards.
Bring your partner, a boating friend or two, or just yourself – and let’s kick off summer together.
Connect. Learn. Protect.
End of Year Partners Forum
Date: Wednesday 19 November
Time: 4:30 – 7:00 pm
Venue: The Yacht Club, Sulphur Point, Tauranga
Cost: Free to attend
Join us for the Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital (TMBC) End of Year Partners Forum – a celebration of the mahi achieved across our network in 2025 and the collective commitment to protecting the taonga of Tauranga Moana.
This special evening will feature:
– Keynote Speaker: John Roche, sharing insights on leadership and biosecurity action in Aotearoa.
– Interactive Session: Get hands-on with Marine Invaders and learn more about the challenges facing our coastal ecosystems.
– Networking: Connect with partners, champions, and others passionate about biosecurity and the protection of our region’s unique environment.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Tauranga Harbour at The Yacht Club, this forum is a chance to reflect, connect, and look ahead to the opportunities for 2026 and beyond.
All are welcome, and attendance is free – we look forward to seeing you there.