Minister for Biosecurity, Hon Damien O’Connor was in Mount Maunganui earlier today meeting staff who have been involved in the investigation into the December Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) detection.

Minister O’Connor met Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) staff, agriculture and port representatives and Government Industry Agreement (GIA) partners, including KVH staff this morning to show his thanks for the trapping, surveillance, and public awareness work that was undertaken by the team over the Christmas period.

The Minister made particular note of how well the region has been working as one co-ordinated group, on behalf of all New Zealand, not just during this BMSB investigation but also with the adoption of the Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital initiative.

The group then travelled together to a local reserve for a BMSB trapping and clearance demonstration, accompanied by local media to help raise awareness of the difference the public can make and the important role they play in being on the lookout and reporting anything unusual.