KVH is one of 19 Tauranga-based organisations that have come together to strengthen protection for our borders from invasive pests and diseases. The newly formed Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital (TMBC) programme plans to increase awareness amongst the local population and advocate for better biosecurity.

TMBC is co-chaired by KVH Board member Graeme Marshall, who says the group is believed to be the first regional collective to form with a biosecurity focus, highlighting the fact that what’s at risk is how we live, how we work, and how we play, and we have a role in protecting that.

Stu Hutchings, KVH Chief Executive, says the Bay of Plenty has such a strong port and horticulture industry that a vigilant biosecurity network is vital. Stu adds that thinking back to the Psa days, it wasn’t just growers and orchards affected, it was also shops, schools, businesses and truckies. The whole community was affected.

The group’s formation comes as a national biosecurity campaign – Ko Tatou This Is Us – launches. TV ads started over the weekend (watch the brilliant new ad here), and a new website has been created to help encourage everyone to take a moment to think about how biosecurity protects our way of life, our outdoor environment, our biodiversity and the food we eat. Read more about the Ko Tatou This Is Us concept and advertising, and TMBC, on the KVH website here.