Coordination adds value to pest management programmes

Catamaran being wrapped in plastic as part of the Didemnum Working Group Management Programme. Photo: Aaron Pannell
Catamaran being wrapped in plastic
as part of the Didemnum Working
Group Management Programme.
Photo: Aaron Pannell

A pest management programme can often be carried out by more than one organisation and extend across regional or jurisdictional boundaries. Improving the coordination of such programmes has the potential to ensure better alignment and increased effectiveness across pest management organisations.

There are a number of instances where coordination already exists, with programmes carried out by regional councils, the Department of Conservation (DOC), MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ), territorial authorities, industry organisations, community groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Examples of this include:

  • park volunteer programmes – coordinated by DOC or local government
  • community possum control programmes – coordinated by DOC, local government or NGOs
  • Didemnum vexillum management – coordinated by the Didemnum Working Group (see Biosecurity 76:6 for article on the group's work in Marlborough)
  • phylloxera management programme – coordinated by New Zealand Winegrowers
  • didymo long-term management – coordinated by MAFBNZ.

Central and regional government biosecurity agencies have agreed on the need for a framework that will support decisions on when a pest management programme should be coordinated, and which organisation is best placed to undertake the coordination role on a case-by-case basis. MAFBNZ is leading this project, which is to develop resources that any organisation can apply to determine:

  • when coordination is needed
  • what type of coordination activities will add value
  • who is best placed to undertake the coordination role (including at what level coordination should sit – national, regional or local)
  • whether providing coordination for a single pest programme or suite of pests is the best approach.

The project will include development of supporting guidelines and tools to assist those either seeking or providing coordination services – for example, how and where to access relevant information and a clear process that decision makers can follow. The intent is to create simple and user-friendly resources that will help to ensure coordination is provided in the best place, and by the organisation that can add most value.

The project steering group includes representatives from all central and regional biosecurity agencies. The project is expected to commence in early 2008 with a draft framework completed by October. The framework will then be trialled using a range of pests and programmes prior to being finalised and released for implementation in 2009.

For further information, contact your representative on the Central Regional Biosecurity Coordination Group or Mike Harré at MAFBNZ.

  • Mike Harré, Senior Adviser, Pest Management, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, phone 04 894 0533, mike.harre@maf.govt.nz

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Page last updated: 30 April 2008