Working together makes sense

The New Zealand Government has announced a new tool in the fight against unwanted pests with its approval of a formal partnership agreement with agriculture industries. Under the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) for Biosecurity Readiness and Response, government and industry partners will share decision-making, costs, and responsibility in preparing for and responding to incursions of unwanted pests. The partners are committed to achieving better biosecurity outcomes for New Zealand s environment, economy and community by working together. The agreement was drafted jointly by industry and government representatives. In what is believed to be a world first, the agreement includes animal, plant and aquatic industries in its scope. It is supported by legislation through the Biosecurity Act 1993 and acknowledges the specific roles and responsibilities of government and industry in managing pests and their impacts. For more information about GIA, please visit www.gia.org.nz