Hunt for biosecurity stars

Entries are being sought for the 2023 New Zealand Biosecurity Awards to recognise the efforts of people and organisations working to protect our country against unwanted pests and diseases. 

Previous finalists and winners in the annual contest have spanned the whole biosecurity system and include Automotive Technologies Ltd, which was a finalist in 2019 for its investment in installing heat-treatment facilities across its operations in Japan. 

Categories in the event run by Biosecurity New Zealand include community, school, Maori, industry, local and central government, science, and innovation awards. 

Other gongs to be handed out this year are an emerging leader award and minister’s award, with entry to these two by nomination only. 

All category winners will be eligible for the New Zealand Biosecurity Supreme Award.

Entries for this year’s competition close at 5pm on July 31. The finalists are due to be announced in October and the award winners will be announced at an event the following month.

Wilderlab, pctured, last year’s Supreme Award winner, took out the top spot for its work in developing technology to reveal the native and pest species that are present in just a cupful of water.

For more details about the awards, click here.