The Biosecurity Strategy for New Zealand
Expectations
Overall expectation
1. That the biosecurity system is fully integrated, operating efficiently and transparently in an environment of continuous improvement (measured, reviewed and refined)
Institutional arrangements
2. That a single agency (MAF) is accountable for ensuring the full range of biosecurity activities are delivered effectively and efficiently to meet the outcome expectations of agencies with a biosecurity interest
Maori
3. That the Chief Executive of MAF is responsible for developing a Maori responsiveness strategy for biosecurity agencies
4. That capacity and capability is developed within the biosecurity agencies with specific training (specialist skills and knowledge) to ensure Maori are involved meaningfully
5. That existing channels (under the RMA, Fisheries Act, DHBs or conservancies) are used in consulting on pest management strategies and during incursions
6. That kaitiaki are invited to work with central government and regional councils on biosecurity matters
7. That Maori values are explicitly considered in decision-making criteria
Stakeholders’ voice
8. That the system encourages all New Zealanders to participate and support biosecurity
9. That there is an annual review with external stakeholders on the performance and development of biosecurity, with an overall review in 2010
10. That a reconstituted Biosecurity Council monitors this strategy’s implementation on behalf of stakeholders for the Minister
11. That a central government/ regional council forum is established to address the joint issues of incursion response and pest management
12. That appropriate links with industry are formed to address priorities and who should pay for what
Capability gaps
13. That central government is committed to maintaining a clear and effective role as overall steward of the biosecurity system
14. That funding baselines for biosecurity are increased over the next five years specifically to close the gaps in the system
15. That immediate funding is provided to ensure sufficient capacity and capability for rational and strategic management of the total biosecurity system;
16. That central government develops a comprehensive set of possible initiatives for increased expenditure each financial year - clearly prioritised across all agencies, sectors, environments and functions
17. That the IHS for risk management of sea containers is fully implemented
18. That pre-border and border measures to reduce risks to the marine environment are being addressed as a high priority
19. That the appropriate data management systems are in place to support quality decision-making and performance monitoring
20. That all critical eradication tools such as vaccines and pheromones are available for responding to incursions
Science
21. That science is closely involved in the development of biosecurity strategy
22. That the purchase of science is integrated across providers
23. That investment in science is long term to ensure maintenance of key capabilities
24. That the priority for research to improve biosecurity is understood
Priorities
25. That the criteria for assessment of benefits and costs includes the full range of effects across all sectors and in particular consequences for the environment,human health & well -being, economic production, and Maori cultural values
26. That there is an integrated framework for establishing whole-of-system priorities and providing greater transparency and accountability in risk management
Funding Sources
27. That central government and regional councils are applying a clear and consistent cascading framework for determining who should pay what
28. That funding arrangements for all existing activities are progressively reviewed to ensure consistency with this framework
Changing Behaviours
29. That all New Zealanders, and our visitors, are encouraged to support and participate in our biosecurity
Pre-Border
30. That there is a continuous, targeted programme to move risk reduction measures offshore
31. That all relevant pre-border regulations and standards are in place - robust, consistent and subject to appropriate review processes
32. That New Zealand is using wider international - multilateral or bilateral - arrangements to reduce potential threats to indigenous biodiversity
33. That New Zealand is benefiting from and contributing to international standards to protect production and trade
34. That New Zealand’s coastal waters are protected from threats carried in ballast water or on fouled hulls
35. That New Zealand is helping Pacific countries reduce biosecurity threats to the region
Borders
36. That clear and transparent measurements of risk mitigation are providing appropriate information about residual risk or ‘leakage’ across the border
37. That all significant hitchhiker pathways are covered where possible
38. That all significant pathways are covered
39. That border compliance is managed cost-effectively
40. That effective post-entry quarantine facilities are available where appropriate
41. That all high-risk entry points for the marine environment are evaluated, with risk mitigation measures in place
Surveillance
42. That there is a consistent policy for developing surveillance programmes across all sectors, based on the overall goals for biosecurity
43. That explicit surveillance objectives and performance standards, are based on these and are resourced to ensure delivery
44. That there is strong coordination of, and wide access to, the set of databases supporting surveillance activities
45. That quality information is available to the public to help them identify new or emerging pests
46. That the surveillance programme responds to changes in risk profiles as new pests and diseases emerge and others decline
47. That the programmes are based on the best available technology and sampling methodologies
Incursions
48. That there is sufficient access to expertise and enough operational capacity available to respond immediately to high impact incursions
49. That specific response plans are in place and routinely updated for an agreed set of high impact pests and diseases
50. That generic response capability is maintained for all other incursions
51. That financial restraints do not delay the implementation of rapid responses to high impact incursions
52. That all initial incursions are controlled until decisions about future actions can be made
53. That explicit expectations are established for marine incursion management
Pest Management
54. That there is clear and effective national leadership and coordination of pest management activities within central government, local government and the private sector
55. That there are transparent and effective performance measures to monitor and forecast the establishment of pest and weed impacts and pathways
56. That the Crown meets its obligations as a landowner
57. That there is a routine programme of national and regional communication and coordination including ongoing assessment and review of both individual programmes and the overall system