Biosecurity Ministerial Advisory Committee Terms of Reference

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. assisting the Minister and MAF to ensure that New Zealand's biosecurity system incorporates the range of environmental, economic, human health and social/cultural outcomes sought by the government and the interests of a wide range of stakeholder groups;

b. providing advice on the efficiency, effectiveness and capability of the biosecurity system;

c. 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; and,
  • as required meet with the Minister for Biosecurity to report on the activities of the committee.

The deputy chair is also expected to:

  • take over the role of the chair, when the chair is unavailable; and,
  • attend meetings the Chair has with the Ministry 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 maximum a three years;
  • members may resign from the committee by informing the Minister for Biosecurity in writing; and,
  • the Minister for Biosecurity may remove a member from the committee if they:
    • are unable to perform all of their duties;
    • become bankrupt;
    • neglect their duties; or,
    • because of misconduct proven to the Minister’s satisfaction.

The terms of reference, expectations of members and conditions of appointment will be reviewed every two years.

Page last updated: 14 January 2009