January 2026

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

Solanaceous Biosecurity Working Group (SBWG): 29 January  
The following key matters were discussed:

• Biosecurity New Zealand sign-off for the ToBRFV Response Operational Specification and the Generic Operational Specification is expected shortly. 
• The Pepino Mosiac Virus is understood to no longer be a notifiable disease on Biosecurity New Zealand’s Pest Register. 
• The Group will begin a process to review the Solanaceae Readiness Operational Agreement, its associated Terms of Reference and the Chair position in the coming months. 
• Noting of partners current work related to solanaceae species.  
• The next quarterly meeting will be held in late April/early May 2026. 

GIA Operations Limited (GOL) Board: 30 January   
The following key matters were discussed:

• A meeting with Stuart Anderson DDG Biosecurity NZ discussing, amongst other things, the status of GIA, governance training for partners, the legislative and Deed reviews, and the Biosecurity Awards. Biosecurity New Zealand’s operational priorities for the year ahead were also discussed.
• GIA’s Health and Safety policy.
• Planning for the next Deed Governance Group meeting in March 2026.
• Progress on the GIA Deed review.
• Service Level Agreement between GOL and MPI.
• Financial report to 31 December 2025, and six-monthly work programme progress.
• The GOL Board meets again on 5 March 2026.

​Plant Pass Biosecurity Scheme (PPBS) Update

• Dave Harrison, the new Chair of the Plant Pass Governance Group was formally appointed, supporting continuity of strategic oversight and leadership under the GIA framework.
• Consultation feedback for Plant Pass Version 2.0 was consolidated into a final draft version. The new Checklist is now being piloted at nurseries due for an audit, along with sector auditor training.
• Planning commenced for 2026 workshops and Partner engagement, with emphasis on councils, iwi, and group scheme pathways.
• Promotion of Plant Pass Number (PPN): Every certified Plant Pass Producer is issued a unique, industry-recognised Plant Pass Number (e.g. PPN:000), providing a clear and consistent way to demonstrate certification status to customers, partners, councils, and regulators; certified producers are encouraged to use their PPN across labels, packaging, marketing materials, websites, and email signatures to maximise visibility and value.

December 2025 Bulletin

November 2025 Bulletin

October 2025 Bulletin

September 2025 Bulletin 

August 2025 Bulletin 

June/July 2025 Bulletin 

May 2025 Bulletin

April 2025 Bulletin 

March 2025 Bulletin

February 2025 Bulletin