Implementing GIA
The primary mechanisms for implementing the Deed are Operational Agreements and the GIA Biosecurity Forum. The resources library consolidates agreed policies and guidance related to GIA.
Operational Agreements
Operational Agreements provide for joint decision-making and investment between Deed Signatories, in order to achieve specific outcomes for enhanced readiness and response. They involve the Ministry for Primary Industries and one or more industry Signatory and focus on achieving agreed biosecurity outcomes. There is no obligation on Deed Signatories to enter into an Operational Agreement - it is not a requirement for signing the GIA Deed. Deed Signatories can enter into one or more Operational Agreements, or they may choose not to enter into any.
An Operational Agreement will describe operational arrangements to achieve outcomes related to:
- Specific unwanted organisms
- Groups of unwanted organisms
- Activities that improve overall biosecurity readiness and/or response
More information
- Guidance related to the development of Operational Agreements is available in the resources library
The Biosecurity Forum
The GIA Deed provides for a Biosecurity Forum of all Deed Signatories to be held twice a year. The Forum is currently open to potential Deed Signatories and other organisations with an interest in GIA.
The Biosecurity Forum is:
- The vehicle for all Signatories to share information and knowledge of the GIA and the biosecurity system and participate fully to improve biosecurity outcomes consistent with their roles and responsibilities and rights and obligations under the Deed
- The means by which all Signatories will work together to enhance the system for all, as opposed to bilateral or multilateral collaboration on organism-specific readiness and response activities that will be achieved through Operational Agreements.
The first forum was convened by the Interim Governance Body in Wellington on 5 September 2013 to discuss a range of issues with industry and government representatives relevant to the GIA Deed and its implementation.
More information