Minister of Primary Industries Nathan Guy believes a new biosecurity initiative at Port of Tauranga has the potential to be a model for other ports around the country.
Biosecurity Operational Excellence at Port of Tauranga aims to encourage all port workers to play a role in keeping pests out of New Zealand.
"There is an opportunity potentially for us to replicate this into other ports around the country and I know there is quite a bit of interest," said Mr Guy.
At yesterday's launch, the minister unveiled new on-site biosecurity signs designed to help raise awareness of potential threats to primary industries from unwanted pests. The programme also includes increased awareness raising during induction training for port workers, a widely distributed calendar showing potential pest risks, and a current stink bug awareness campaign.
The initiative stems from the 2010 Psa incursion which ravaged the kiwifruit industry and is being driven by Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH), the Port of Tauranga, the ministry and local government and industry organisations.