2016 Biosecurity Pest Calendar

KVH together with the Port of Tauranga (POTL) and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), has developed a 2016 ‘Biosecurity Pest Calendar’ to lift biosecurity protection at Tauranga’s Port by highlighting to staff some of the offshore pests that could enter New Zealand through their own workplace.

Featuring twelve unwanted pests including fruit flies, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, imported fire ants and other pests that could cause serious harm to New Zealand’s primary industries and unique environment, the calendar is part of an ongoing, wider initiative with other Bay of Plenty and industry organisations to pursue ‘biosecurity excellence at the Port’.

Hundreds of the calendars have been distributed throughout common areas and smoko rooms at the Port of Tauranga; and also transitional facilities and associated industries. This reaches thousands of front line staff working in and around the port, as well as others routinely handling biosecurity risk goods; so they know what to look for, where to look for them, when the highest risk times are, and what to do should they suspect something unusual.

Heightened surveillance amongst people who are likely to find these pests should they arrive is a good opportunity to help keep these unwanted pests out of New Zealand.

All staff working in and around the port can play a big part in keeping unwanted pests and diseases out of New Zealand. If they suspect any of the pests featured in the calendar they are encouraged to CATCH IT and CALL the MPI Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.