June 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

GIA Operations Limited (GOL) Board: 5 June
The following matters discussed were:

• Preparation for the 24 June 2026 Deed Governance Group (DGG) meeting, with a focus on progressing the Deed review and securing agreement on the 2026/27 budget.
• Progress on the Deed Review, including polling results, and how to best present these to DGG.
• The provisional 2026/27 budget.
• The Service Level Agreement with MPI, potential impacts of reduced levy income on industry partners, and the timing of response governance training.
• The next Board meeting is scheduled for 25 August.

 Lepidoptera Working Group (LepiWG): 17 June  
The following matters were discussed:

• LepiWG Technical Lead, Steve Pawson, provided a report on a California response where incorrect early assumptions led to considerable unnecessary expense.
• Travis Glare (Lincoln University) and Justin Nairn (BSI Scion) joined the meeting and spoke to the feasibility of producing Btk in NZ. The fermentation process is relatively straightforward but work to optimize the use of adjuvants to ensure effective application and social license issues are likely more challenging. The Technical Lead will summarize options and issues.
• Several active projects are completed and were signed off for closure. Some have suggested work for next year.
  • Project 15 – Explore Multi-lure Surveillance Trapping Options
  • Project 17 - Develop an Industry Guide for a Lepidoptera Response
  • Project 18 – Develop a Lepidoptera Response Communications Plan template
  • Māori Adviser pilot project and a review of Lepidoptera Response products.
• Consideration of several pieces of new work led to views that while all had merit, some prioritisation was needed and the Technical Lead will lead a group of members in assessing project briefs and relative merits across:
• Parallel Trapping options and small-scale trials.
  • Lepidoptera Response strategies and triggers for moving to long term management.
  • eDNA - opportunities for application, developing a detection policy, plus communications.
  • UV light traps - scoping a pilot implementation.
• The group next meets during August or September 2026.

      Plant Biosecurity Council (PBC): 18 June
      The following key matters discussed were:

• A welcome to new Council members
• Update from MPI on emerging biosecurity risks, including fruit flies, Xylella, and stink bugs.
• Update on the B3 surveillance research project
• The Plant Sector Māori Advisor pilot, and consideration of next steps
• Update on BSI’s implementation and B3’s recently approved research projects, including opportunities for Council involvement in B3 projects and future research priorities.
• Overview of the GIA Deed Review process and upcoming DGG discussions

Xylella Action Group (XAG): 23 June
 The following key matters were discussed:

• An update from the Group’s Technical Lead noted work that indicates that Cicadas, while xylem feeders, present a low risk of being a vector for Xylella, and another of the first detection of Xylella in grapevines derived from a program to select and breed Xylella resistant cultivars.
• A representative of Olives NZ joined the meeting as an observer and provided insights on NZ’s olive industry.
• Several active projects are now complete and were formally closed:
  • Awareness of Xylella Phase 2 – a media awareness campaign targeting growers is underway
  • Surveillance Delimiting Protocols
  • Xylella Detection Scenarios workshop – to identify key issues arising from several detection scenarios
  • Xylella specific work through the Plant Sector Māori Advisor pilot.
• The draft guidance on Readiness Measures for New Zealand Nurseries and Growers is expected to be ready of XAG-member review at the end of June.
• Projects for the 26/27 year were further advanced and include:
  • Phase 3 of the Xylella Awareness campaign
  • Phase 3 of Readiness and Response Measures for growers and nurseries
  • A review/refinement of Xylella response options and decision-making tools
  • A stakeholder engagement plan and/or public information plan/package
  • Xylella specific Māori engagement work.
• B3 also advised on work on Xylella as part of their 2026/27 work programme.

Deed Governance Group (DGG): 24 June
The following key matters were discussed:

• The work of the GIA Kahui, and consideration of expanding current Plant sector Māori engagement work into a broader, partnership-wide initiative that aligns with existing activities and networks.
• The review of the GIA Deed, in particular those options for change that will be worked up for further consideration, and how consultation would be approached.
• The Secretariat’s proposed work programme and budget for 2026/27, which were discussed and approved.
• DGG meets expects to meet three times before the end of 2026, to enable consideration of the final stages of the Deed review.

May 2026 Bulletin 

April 2026 Bulletin 

March 2026 Bulletin 

February 2026 Bulletin 

January 2026 Bulletin 

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