Biosecurity Ministerial Advisory Committee Terms of Reference

As approved by the Minister for Biosecurity and endorsed by Cabinet on 20 September 2010.

The Committee’s Role

The Biosecurity Ministerial Advisory Committee is required to provide the Minister for Biosecurity with high quality independent advice on the performance of the overall biosecurity system, including:

a. advising the Minister and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) how the biosecurity system can assist in creating an environment that supports growth, innovation and sustainability across the animal, plant, food and associated industries;

b. assisting the Minister and MAF to ensure that the biosecurity system supports and protects the environmental, human health and social/cultural outcomes sought by the government and a wide range of stakeholder groups;

c. helping the Minister and MAF identify opportunities to improve the performance of the biosecurity system by adopting a whole-of-system approach to policy development, regulation and programmes for the biological value chain;

d. providing the Minister and MAF with advice on the efficiency, cost-effectiveness and capability of the biosecurity system; and,

e. advising the Minister and MAF on strategies and policies covering the end-to-end biosecurity system, including:

• the identification of adverse impacts to the environment, economy, human health or social/cultural interests that are not being adequately protected by the biosecurity system;
• the identification of gaps or enhancements to protect New Zealand from the introduction of risks whether in terms of pathways, vectors or organisms;
• the identification of opportunities to enhance biosecurity surveillance and incursion response capabilities;
• the identification of opportunities to enhance the management of pests, weeds and diseases whether nationally or regionally;
• supporting increased public awareness, support of and participation in the achievement of the objectives of the biosecurity system; and,
• providing a forum for stakeholders to participate in, or initiate debate on, government policies relating to biosecurity.

Expectations of Committee Members

Members of the Biosecurity Ministerial Advisory Committee are expected to:

• ensure that biosecurity matters of significance are brought to the attention of the Minister for Biosecurity;
• bring to the Committee perspectives based on their experiences and interests;
• take a whole of biosecurity view and not regard themselves as representatives or advocates for particular sectors or interests;
• base their advice on understanding of broader biosecurity issues;
• draft reports and comment on reports drafted by other members and the Ministry;
• ensure that sector groups are kept informed; and,
• declare any conflict of interest, or potential conflicts of interest, that may arise.

The Chair is also expected to:

• chair meetings;
• organise the agenda, with the assistance of the secretariat;
• determine what action is appropriate if a member or the Deputy Chair has a potential conflict of interest; and,
• meet the Minister for Biosecurity to report on the activities of the Committee, as required.

The Deputy Chair is also expected to:

• take over the role of the Chair, when the Chair is unavailable;
• determine what action is appropriate if the Chair has a potential conflict of interest; and,
• attend meetings the Chair has with the Minister for Biosecurity.

Conditions of Appointment

Appointments to the Biosecurity Ministerial Advisory Committee are subject to the following conditions.

• Members may serve for up to three terms. 
• A term is for a maximum of three years.
• A member may resign from the Committee by informing the Minister for Biosecurity in writing.
• Members serve at the pleasure of the Minister and may be removed at any time.
• The Minister does not have to provide a reason for removing a member.

MAF will review these terms of reference every three years in consultation with the Committee.

Page last updated: 22 September 2010