Image: Biosecurity Business Pledge members touring Queenstown Airport.

KVH recently attended the Biosecurity Business Pledge forum in Queenstown, joining government, businesses, community groups and individuals working together to strengthen biosecurity resilience across the region.

The day began with a behind-the-scenes tour of Queenstown Airport’s biosecurity operations, including detector dogs and passenger and baggage screening. With around 17 international flights arriving daily from Australia, Queenstown is an important pathway for the movement of people and goods into New Zealand. Maintaining strong biosecurity at these entry points is critical to protecting primary industries.

The group also visited areas where wilding pine control and restoration work is underway. Community and commercial efforts are helping remove invasive wilding pines across Queenstown and the Wakatipu Basin, alongside projects aimed at restoring native biodiversity. Central Government funding is also supporting work in this high priority landscape.

Over lunch Stuart Anderson, Deputy Director-General at Biosecurity New Zealand, provided a behind-the-scenes insight into New Zealand's frontline biosecurity system. A panel discussion involving local airport and wine industry representatives highlighted an important message: effective biosecurity depends on everyone playing their part.

Everyday movements of people, plants, animals and equipment can provide pathways for pest and disease spread, so simple actions and good systems can make a real difference.