Terms of Reference for the Development of a Biosecurity Strategy for New Zealand

Introduction

The government has agreed to the development of a biosecurity strategy for New Zealand, and to provide $0.96 million over the next three years for its development and publication.

Definition of biosecurity

‘Biosecurity’ means protection from the risks posed by organisms to the economy, environment and people’s health, through exclusion, eradication and control.

This definition may be reviewed in the course of developing the strategy.

Accountability

The development of the strategy is an initiative sponsored by the Minister for Biosecurity. The Biosecurity Council will act as the Minister’s agent, and will co-ordinate the strategy’s development.

The strategy is to be developed in an open and participatory manner with input from the range of stakeholders with an interest in biosecurity and the general public.

The final document will be presented to the Cabinet for endorsement.

Purpose

The purpose of the strategy is to obtain agreement on the goals, objectives and measurable targets for New Zealand’s biosecurity programmes. The strategy will be developed with a focus on the future and broad issues affecting biosecurity rather than debating specific and currently topical issues. The strategy should provide direction and guidance to all involved in biosecurity, and raise biosecurity awareness with stakeholders and the general public.

Scope

The strategy will:

  1. reflect a New Zealand-wide perspective on biosecurity
  2. take account of both central and local government’s interests
  3. take account of Maori interests and values
  4. take account of environmental, primary production, public health and trade and travel sector interests
  5. apply to all New Zealand, including its offshore islands and territorial waters
  6. apply to New Zealand’s terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments
  7. apply to the protection of both indigenous and valued introduced flora and fauna
  8. have regard to international obligations.

Specific matters

In developing the strategy, consideration will be given to:

  1. how offshore risk management could be enhanced
  2. how border risk management could be enhanced
  3. how post-border surveillance could be enhanced, drawing on the outcomes of a strategic review of biosecurity surveillance planned by the Biosecurity Council
  4. how exotic pest and disease response capability could be enhanced
  5. how compliance with biosecurity regulatory requirements could be enhanced, including through awareness and enforcement programmes
  6. how new technology could increase the effectiveness of biosecurity measures
  7. identification and management of information needed to support biosecurity decision making
  8. the respective biosecurity roles of central government, regional government, primary production industries, and landowners
  9. how effective stakeholder involvement in biosecurity policy and regulatory decision-making can be assured
  10. how an appropriate level of biosecurity protection can be maintained in the face of increasing volumes of trade and travel
  11. the strengths and weaknesses of the Biosecurity Act 1993 and where improvement is needed
  12. whether New Zealand is placing appropriate emphasis on biosecurity when developing its international policy positions on trade and transport
  13. how New Zealand can best promote the co-ordination of biosecurity in the Oceania region
  14. how New Zealand can minimise the risks that its exports pose to importing countries
  15. any other specific matters agreed with the Minister for Biosecurity.

Outcomes

The outcomes of the strategy will be:

  1. an agreed policy framework for biosecurity decision-making
  2. agreement on New Zealand’s appropriate level of protection against biosecurity risks
  3. agreement on biosecurity programmes and areas of priority
  4. agreement on responsibilities for action
  5. identification of appropriate structural arrangements
  6. identification of resource needs
  7. agreement on an appropriate legislative framework
  8. identification of biosecurity research requirements
  9. increased awareness of biosecurity among stakeholders and the general public.

Resourcing

A person will be engaged to facilitate the development of the strategy. This person will be located in the Biosecurity Secretariat within the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Biosecurity Authority. Administrative support will be provided from within the Biosecurity Secretariat.

Timeframe

The strategy is to be developed during 2000 and 2001. It is to be completed ready for publication by the end of July 2002. Implementation will commence during 2002/03.

Page last updated: 16 October 2008