Biosecurity Border Inspection History Updates
UPDATE - 23 September 2008
Firstly, to those who have registered an interest in this project, thank you and welcome to this initial update.
Response to distribution of our brochure in March 2008 has been slow but steady.
If you have yet to formally register we would love to hear from you. We will endeavour to provide benefits such as interesting snippets, information on progress, plans for future activities and possibly a treat or two.
Information on the project, updates and documentation can be found by visiting our website
From the outset it must be emphasised that the History of Biosecurity Border Inspection in New Zealand is more than an opportunity to revisit the past. It will contribute to biosecurity awareness among the general public (as did ‘Border Patrol’ on TV) and will encourage greater individual responsibility for biosecurity. The project scope originates in the distant past, moves through the present and onto the future, making a valuable contribution to New Zealand’s social history.
Phase One (Oral Histories)
The Ministry for Culture & Heritage (MCH) were initially contracted to conduct 15 oral history interviews with selected candidates. Interviews were conducted by Megan Hutching, a contracted Oral Historian, and published author with extensive government experience. These have now been completed, are being processed and will eventually be deposited with the Alexander Turnbull Library. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand will hold copies and those interested will shortly have access to these recordings. More information will be provided in the next update.
The plan is to continue collecting oral histories. These will hopefully become an ongoing work in progress. They will assist with future academic research and specifically with phase two of this project. Presently a further 6 oral histories are being gathered and will be completed early in 2009.
Phase Two (Research, Manuscript and Publication)
Work will commence in October 2008 on researching and writing a 40,000 word manuscript by Dr Gavin McLean, assisted by Tim Shoebridge of the Ministry for Culture & Heritage. The plan is that the manuscript will be completed in early 2010. Following approval, MCH will offer this manuscript to recognised publishers in the hope of a book being printed by August 2010. This will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the formation of the then Port Agriculture Inspection Service.
A Founding Document
Attached is a copy of Circular Memorandum No. 394, held by Garry Higgins in Auckland, from Director-General PW Smallfield, establishing the Port Agriculture Inspection Service (PAIS) and appointing Gordon Helson as the first Superintendent, effective from 1 September 1960. Gordon was a well known departmental entomologist.
Application for a Commemorative Stamp Issue
Application has been made to New Zealand Post Ltd for a stamp issue in 2010 to commemorate the formation of the PAIS and recognise the importance of biosecurity border inspection in New Zealand’s past. A decision on this application is likely in early 2009 – fingers crossed.
Your contribution will be appreciated
To aid with research; photographs, press clippings, old personal documents, memorabilia and any written contributions are sought. Submission details can be found here
Informing those who may be interested in this project will help increase awareness. A brochure is available for distribution at events or posting to individuals. Email history@maf.govt.nz for supplies.
Until Update No.2, thank you for your continuing interest. Should you no longer wish to receive these communications please email us asking to be removed from the database.
MAFBNZ History Project Working Party
- Fergus Small, North & Offshore Manager, MAFBNZ, Auckland
- Mike Alexander, Auditor, MAF, Head Office, Wellington
- Garry Higgins, Quarantine Inspector, MAFBNZ, Auckland Wharf
- Brian Mooney, Quarantine Inspector, MAFBNZ, Auckland Wharf
- Jaimie Baird, Quarantine Inspector, MAFBNZ, Nelson
Page last updated: 23 September 2008