Regular readers of the KVH Bulletin will be aware of the Port of Tauranga Biosecurity Excellence programme that KVH helps lead (to ensure we’re managing the risk of an incursion via the Port into our largest growing region), but we also get a lot of questions about ports in other parts of the country.

A great new initiative this year involves Northland biosecurity ambassadors greeting cruise ship passengers, welcoming them to the region, and passing on information about good biosecurity.

Conversations are aimed at making sure passengers know they can’t take food and other risk goods off the ship and are aware of what they need to do to protect land and waterways in the region.

The Mana Moana Biosecurity Ambassador programme is in partnership with local hapu and is a pilot for this summer cruise season, with a team of seven greeting 48 of the 52 ships scheduled to visit the region.