Technology that can detect invasive biosecurity threats from a cup of water has won the top prize at the New Zealand Biosecurity Awards.
Wilderlab’s innovative eDNA won the Mondiale VGL Innovation Award and took out the Supreme Award in a contest Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor said was the toughest in its six-year history.
“Our precious biodiversity and export sectors both depend on world-class biosecurity,” O’Connor said.
“Wilderlab claimed top spot because of its focus on innovation to protect against a range of biosecurity threats.
“Just a cupful of water is all it takes New Zealand company Wilderlab to find invasive pest species.
“The technology developed by Wilderlab detects genetic material in the environment, which means thousands of kilometres of New Zealand’s waterways are being monitored for tens of thousands of species every week.
“Early detection of invasive organisms means we can act quickly to locate and successfully eradicate invasive pest species.”
The awards recognise organisations, volunteers, businesses, iwi, hapū, government, and tamariki around the country who are contributing to biosecurity – in NZ’s bush, oceans and waterways, and backyards.
O’Connor also announced Phillip Karaitiana as the winner of this year’s Minister’s Biosecurity Award.
“The Minister’s Biosecurity Award recognises an individual, group or organisation that has contributed at least 10 years of continuous and outstanding service to biosecurity in New Zealand,” O’Connor said.
“Since 1970, Phillip Karaitiana has dedicated his career to protecting Wairoa and Gisborne from pests and diseases. From jumping on a horse and chasing rabbits in the early days to using drones and artificial intelligence now, Phillip has been unwavering in his commitment to his region.
“He’s also a highly respected mentor and educator.”
O’Connor said the finalists and winners represent some of New Zealand’s most outstanding biosecurity leaders, people who are committed to protecting the country’s unique environment from pests and diseases.
“They’re at the forefront of a wide variety of exceptional biosecurity-related projects.
“These include protecting hectares of iconic New Zealand landscape from wilding pines, to those galvanising thousands of city dwellers to remove plant and animal pests in their backyards, communities and schools.
“Those recognised tonight are stepping up to lead efforts to protect and preserve our environment, our food and fibre sector, and our way of life across the motu.
“A feature of successful biosecurity work is the high level of community engagement in projects. I want to acknowledge the leadership at the heart of this success.
“It takes all of us to protect what we’ve got, and these finalists are showing us all how it’s done, and how we can all play a part,” O’Connor said.
The 2022 New Zealand Biosecurity Awards winners are:
• New Zealand Biosecurity Supreme Award / Mondiale VGL Innovation Award
Wilderlab NZ Ltd – Wilderlab and the eDNA revolution in Aotearoa
• Minister’s Biosecurity Award
Phillip Karaitiana – Gisborne District Council
• BioHeritage Challenge Community Award
Whakatipu Wilding Conifer Group – Whakatipu Wilding Conifer Control Programme
• New Zealand Biosecurity Māori Award
Te Arawa Lakes Trust – Hungatiaki Taiao/Biosecurity
• New Zealand Biosecurity Kura (School) Award
Howick Schools’ Moth Plant Competition, Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland
• GIA Industry Award
Auckland Airport – Creation of a biosecurity culture to make biosecurity matter
• Eagle Technology Local and Central Government Award
Ministry for Primary Industries – National Wilding Conifer Control Programme (WCCP)
• New Zealand Biosecurity Science Award
Better Border Biosecurity (B3) – Better Border Biosecurity (B3) Research Collaboration
• AsureQuality Emerging Leader Award
Ethan McCormick – Pest Free Howick Ward and Friends of Mangemangeroa
