We’re over halfway through 2025, and there’s been no shortage of action across the TMBC network. From new sightings and seasonal biosecurity reminders to community activations and partner milestones, the momentum is building – and we’re here to keep you in the loop.
Biosecurity Hunt a Hit – Still Available to Play!
The 2025 Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Hunt was a huge success over Easter, with over 350 locals getting involved across five locations. Using the Actionbound app, tamariki and whānau tackled fun biosecurity themed challenges, explored their local areas, and learned how to protect our environment from invasive pests.
Despite a few rainy days, 181 digital hunts were completed, and feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive – for many, it was the highlight of the holidays!
Online engagement was strong too, with 75,000+ people reached and nearly 4,000 challenge clicks.
Missed it over Easter? The Hunt’s still live! So make the most of the winter sunshine and get exploring!
Building Future Kaitiaki – Tiakina Taiao Inspires the Next Generation
The Tiakina Taiao programme continues to engage and empower tamariki across the Bay of Plenty, with recent interactive sessions held at Pilot Bay involving schools from throughout the region.
Designed to deepen understanding of Te Ao Tūroa, Tiakina Taiao helps tamariki connect with their natural environment and aims to inspire future biosecurity leaders. Infused with Mātauranga Māori – including mana atua, whakapapa and maramataka – the programme weaves together cultural knowledge and contemporary science to explore how we respond to marine and terrestrial biosecurity incursions.
Thanks to the support of kura, kaiako and community partners, Tiakina Taiao continues to grow in strength and impact. The enthusiasm shown by participating students reinforces the importance of building environmental awareness and action from a young age.
Further sessions may be held later this year – stay tuned!
The Impact of wallabies
Over the past four years, the Tipu Mātoro National Wallaby Eradication Programme has collectively focused on mobilising and educating the public about the pest wallaby problem. A rise in public reports of wallaby sightings reflects the progress being made, with greater awareness and growing support for the programme’s elimination efforts.
Despite this momentum, more work remains to be done to ensure New Zealanders fully understand the significant economic and environmental costs of not protecting farms, forests, bush, and native species from wallaby spread. That combined focus continues to drive the work of the programme.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Environment Canterbury have produced a new video showcasing the benefits of this collaborative approach and the positive impacts so far. Featuring interviews with farmers, iwi, conservationists, researchers, and contractors, it highlights the people and progress behind the programme’s success.
Mowing the Lake to Tackle Invasive Lake Weed
Hornwort is a fast-growing aquatic weed that can grow up to 10m deep, and unfortunately, it’s already present in several Rotorua Te Arawa lakes.
Due to its invasive nature, it inhibits the growth of native flora and fauna and degrades water quality by absorbing nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen (which can cause toxic algal blooms).
An innovative solution by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council is the use of a specialised weed harvester to ‘mow’ the hornwort. While there is no silver bullet for eradicating the weed from the lake, the mower does a good job of managing the nutrient load.
Recently, over 330 tonnes of hornwort was removed from Lake Rotoehu and the harvested hornwort was then transported to Ecogas in Reporoa, to be turned into biogas energy and bio-organic fertiliser.
‘Weedy Wednesday’ – Helping People Help Themselves
Have you got pest plants that need controlling? Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s ‘Weedy Wednesday’ bite-sized videos have the solution.
For the past few years, Council has shared a range of videos to its 45,000 followers on Facebook with weedy tips on topics as varied as controlling privet to selecting the right herbicide. Many of the pests featured are Advisory pest plants in the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Pest Management Plan, which means that landowners are responsible for controlling them and stopping their spread, but Council provide control advice.Check out one of the recent videos by Biosecurity Officer Dave Grimmer on dealing with Elephant’s Ear and Arum lily.
Yellow-Legged Hornet Detections in Auckland
Biosecurity New Zealand is following up after two recent detections of male yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) in the Auckland region — one in Grafton and one in Albany.
This hornet species is not known to be present in New Zealand, and these are the first detections of their kind in the country. While not a notifiable or unwanted organism, the yellow-legged hornet is considered a significant threat the honeybees and wild pollinators overseas due to its predatory behaviour.
Both hornets were found sitting on the outside of buildings. No nests have been located, and there is currently no clear link between the detection sites or any recently imported goods. As this species mates in autumn and queens overwinter, any further signs are unlikely until Spring.
A factsheet is below with information on identifying the species and how to report sightings. Anyone who comes across a suspicious wasp, hornet, or large paper-like nest is encouraged to report it to Biosecurity New Zealand via:
📞 0800 80 99 66 or 🖥 report.mpi.govt.nz
TMBC Partners Forum and AGM
If you haven’t already, make sure to register for our 2025 AGM and Partners Forum that is taking place on Tuesday 22 July 2025 at Classic Flyers, Mount Maunganui.
Join us for networking over drinks and nibbles, followed by our AGM where we’ll present the draft budget for 2025/2026.
We’ll then move into our Partners Forum, featuring a panel presentation on the Biosecurity MOU. We’re thrilled to introduce our guest speakers:
- John Walsh – Director Pest Management, Biosecurity New Zealand
- Chris Ingles – GM Integrated Catchments, Bay of Plenty Regional Council
- Tim Bamford – Director Terrestrial Biodiversity, Department of Conservation
The panel will be followed by a short Q&A session.
This event will be held in person with an option to join online. Please make sure to register your attendance so we can plan accordingly for space and catering.
If you’re attending online, a Google Meet link will be emailed to you closer to the date.
2025 TMBC Biosecurity Excellence Symposium
Have you got your ticket yet? The TMBC Symposium is just around the corner!
This is your opportunity to connect, share, and be inspired by those taking action where it matters most.
From innovation to action: Speakers will share insights on surveillance, science, education, community leadership, and early detection.
Topics range from:
- Port biosecurity and eDNA surveillance
- Forestry pest detection and PSA impacts
- Māturanga Māori approaches and rangatahi education
- Caulerpa response and the national Biosecurity Action Plan
Come and be part of the conversation – and the solution.
Join us as a Funder
As a valued supporter of TMBC, you already play an important role in protecting what we love about our region.
We’re now inviting supporters to deepen that involvement by becoming a TMBC Funder – supporting the collaborative mahi that drives awareness, action, and real impact across Tauranga Moana.
Why become a funder?
By contributing, you’ll be helping us:
– Run impactful community events like the Biosecurity Excellence Symposium and Biosecurity Hunt.
– Educate tamariki, industry, and landowners on key threats and responsibilities.
– Support regional campaigns that strengthen biosecurity practices on land and in our waters.
– Ensure TMBC remains an active and visible force for good across the region.
In return, TMBC Funders receive recognition across our platforms, opportunities to co-host initiatives, and the chance to directly shape the future of biosecurity excellence in our region.
Check out the Funder Prospectus for more details.
Keen to chat about where you might sit as a funder? Email us at commsmanager@tmbiosecurity.co.nz – we’d love a kōrero.
Stay in the Loop?
Subscribe to our newsletter below to be the first to hear about TMBC news, events, and updates.