March 2024 

This semi-regular update from the GIA Secretariat is intended to provide a general overview of the key matters considered by GIA governance bodies in the preceding month. It is not intended to communicate formal decisions by any of the parties, nor everything that happens within GIA. If there are any questions, or further information is required please contact steve.rich@gia.org.nz

Plant Biosecurity Council: 8 March 2024

• Emerging Risks:
  • Single lily pilly leaf beetle and West Indian termites finds, promptly dealt with and no ongoing risk identified.
  • Suspected Wheat leaf curl mite, a potential vector for high plains virus.
  • New potato virus discovered in Peru, potentially posing a nursery pathway risk.
• The forthcoming GIA Deed Governance Group meeting and meeting with the Biosecurity Minister.
• The Find-a-pest app facing funding cuts.
• Biosecurity NZ discussed industry concerns and consultation timelines regarding the Import Health Standard (IHS) review process.
• Representatives from United Fresh provided an overview of their activities and discussed their potential role in biosecurity responses.
• The current focus areas and specific research projects within the University of Canterbury Biosecurity Cluster.
• Pest Identification and Beneficiary Classification pilot update: The Secretariat provided an update on the pilot project's progress and expected outcomes.
• B3 provided updates on recently approved projects relevant to council members.
• OA Council updates: Brief overviews were provided for Fruit Fly, BMSB, Traceability, Plant Pass, Xylella Action Group, and Lepidoptera Working Group activities.
• Other matters: Discussion included the forestry sector biosecurity conference, upcoming Biosecurity Awards, and attendance at the Australian Biosecurity Symposium.

Fruit Fly Council (FFC): 11 March 2024

• Council reviewed the progress of its current projects and discussed the proposed 24/25 FY programme of work.
• Planning is well advanced for a full-day workshop in May for Council members to build on the lessons from the 2019 Queensland Fruit Fly Response.  
• A media training session will also be held as part of the Council’s response planning work.

GIA Operations Limited (GOL) Board: 13 March 2024

• Planning for the forthcoming Deed Governance Group meeting, ten-year anniversary ceremony and dinner.
• Review of draft material in relation to the GIA strategy, Pest Impact Beneficiary Classification, Māori engagement, response funding, industry valuation, and membership participation.
• YTD financial reports and cashflow, noting that cashflow risks are receding somewhat.
• Associated plans for establishing a temporary overdraft facility were noted.

Lepidoptera: 14 March 2024

• The programme of work for 23/24 FY and 24/25 FY was discussed and confirmed, with three projects to start in the remainder of the 23/24 FY, and two in the 24/25 FY.
• The work programme budget was discussed, and in-principal funding confirmed for the five projects in addition to support for both a 3-year Scion Electroantennogram project and a dedicated online information repository.
• The establishment of a Technical Advisory Committee to provide technical oversight on lepidoptera matters was also agreed in principle.

Deed Governance Group: 21 March 2024

• Proposals for the forthcoming expiry of the Crown Indemnity.
• The GIA Strategic Framework 2024-2029 was ratified by consensus, subject to some editorial tidying up.
• Hon Andrew Hoggard, Minister of Biosecurity, met with GIA partners for a discussion on Biosecurity opportunities, risks and concerns. Discussion covered various topics including the FMDOA, Bovis response transition, system capability, scientific capabilities, and Biosecurity Act reform.
• Various membership options were discussed regarding formalisation around the appointment and role of observers, associate members, and different levels of participation by signatories. No significant changes to membership structures were proposed, but partners will review the base ‘club share’ all pay in relation to the activities of the GIA Secretariat.
• DGG discussed options to facilitate the engagement of Māori in GIA activities.
• Progress to date with the Pest Impact and Beneficiary Classification pilot was noted, along with considerations for Phase II.
• Progress on the development of response funding was noted.
• Industry valuations were considered, and DGG agreed to revert to a First Point of Sale methodology for Secretariat cost share allocations.
• Preliminary Secretariat Work Programme and budget for 24/25 were discussed.
• The next DGG meeting is scheduled as online only for 20 June 2024 to consider the final work programme and budget, with a further meeting planned for November 2024 (likely to be a field trip type meeting).

Xylella Response OA Group: 25 March 2024

• Parties to the development of a Xylella Response OA met on 25 March to initiate the process and stepped through early OA parameters.
• Some matters were readily established, while others will require considerable discussion owing to the complexities arising from varying host/subspecies/vector interactions.
• Of note is the intention for the definition of the Unwanted Organism (UO) to include both the Xylella bacteria and exotic vectors that are UOs.  Xylella is vector spread, and while some vectors are endemic, several highly effective vectors, for example glassy winged sharpshooter, are not in NZ. If they were to be detected, it would significantly elevate the Xylella threat.
• The group will meet monthly aiming to have a completed OA by mid-2025.

February 2024 Bulletin 

December 2023 Bulletin 

November 2023 Bulletin

October 2023 Bulletin

September 2023 Bulletin

August 2023 Bulletin

July 2023 Bulletin