The BMSB Council has affirmed its strong commitment to strengthening New Zealand's defences against the invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) with the launch of its renewed 2023-2028 strategic plan. This marks a significant evolution of the existing strategy, and focuses on response planning and long-term management, ensuring the safeguarding of NZ’s economic, social, cultural, and environmental interests.

Operating within the framework of the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA), the BMSB Council serves as the home for collaborative efforts in regards to BMSB among government agencies, industry bodies, and a wide range of stakeholders. With an emphasis on scientific excellence, innovation, and transparency, the Council aims to lead strategic planning and co-ordination, pooling resources and expertise to mitigate the risks posed by BMSB.

Comprised of Biosecurity New Zealand, Kiwifruit Vine Health, NZ Winegrowers, NZ Apple and Pears, Vegetables NZ, Summerfruit NZ, Tomatoes NZ, Process Vegetables NZ, NZ Avocado, and Seed and Grain Readiness and Response, the BMSB Council collaborates extensively, leveraging diverse expertise.

Council Chair Sophie Badland notes, "Our commitment to this strategic plan represents our dedication to strengthening New Zealand's resilience against the BMSB threat. Since the Council was established in 2017 we’ve built upon a foundation of collaboration and innovation, ensuring a science-based and transparent approach to our work".

The new strategy emphasises key themes intending to improve rapid and effective response mechanisms through continued investigation of possible biological control agents, international partnerships, and advancements in surveillance methods and chemical response tools. Concurrently, the Council remains focussed on long-term management planning, identifying transition triggers, and establishing sustainable funding arrangements for ongoing BMSB management should it be required.

As well as other stakeholder groups, the Council remains dedicated to engaging with iwi and hapū communities, recognising their integral role in New Zealand's biosecurity system. The 2024 work programme includes projects on surveillance, biocontrol agents (BCAs), local & international collaboration & technical research.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact Sophie Badland, BMSB Council Chair (sophie.badland@nzwine.com, 027 700 4142)

Photo credit: Gonzalo Avila, Plant and Food Research