NETS2010: Know How, Can Do, Job Done!
Blenheim
21 Jul – 23 July 2010
We shall fight pests on the seas and oceans,
We shall fight pests with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our islands,
We shall fight pests on the beaches and coastlines,
We shall fight pests in the forests and the wetlands,
We shall fight pests in the fields and in the streets,
We shall fight pests in the hills and tussocklands;
We shall never surrender!
The Marlborough Region is split in two by the mighty Wairau River. The southern half has low rainfall; the northern half of the region, the Sounds and surrounding valleys host a high rainfall. The result is two very different landscapes.
Our industries include agriculture, aquaculture, wine (we have a glut, by the way, and will need your help while at NETS2010!), tourism, forestry, olives and high country farming. Our region faces a diverse set of biosecurity challenges. Every industry and each part of our region is threatened by invasive pest species.
The control of invasive pest species in Marlborough has called for innovation and dedication to ensure their control, and in several situations, their eradication. Of course, pest control is impossible without the support of the community, and luckily our unique region has a strong community spirit, both in urban and rural areas.
This community spirit shows through in how we approach our biosecurity issues, with various organisations and community groups in our region tackling invasive pest species head on – on our coastlines, in our marine environment, on the land, and in our waterways. Using local, national and international knowledge, the right resources and a positive attitude, we are showing that invasive pests can be tamed.
NETS2007: Capital Exposure
Wellington Town Hall
23 Jul – 25 July 2007
The theme was centered on our exposure to biosecurity issues at local, national and international levels. This included looking at the effect of biosecurity on industry, protecting and impeding it; and how best to ‘expose’ the biosecurity messages to a wider audience.
Presentations were given by The Minister for Biosecurity, the Assistant-Director General MAF Biosecurity, CEO of ERMA, and international speakers from the United States of America and New Caledonia.
The presentations covered topics such as how to engage the wider community with the biosecurity industry, didymo’s impact on Meridian Energy, biocontrol of heather, possum killing and much more.
NETS2005
Rydges Hotel, Christchurch
27 Jul – 29 July 2005
The theme this year was on Biosecurity, and what we can do about in in our Neighborhood - be it urban, rural, local, regional, national or the Pacific Neighborhood.
The papers given covered a wide range of topics from new methods of vertebrate pest control, modelling of weed and insect spread, and working with the community to preventing the spread of aquatic pests. Once again the seminar attracted several international speakers from Australia, Great Britain and the Pacific Islands.
NETS2004
Grand Tiara, Rotorua
21 Jul – 23 July 2004
This event was again run in association with the Vertebrate Pest Management Institute of New Zealand (VPMINZ). The programme included speakers from Australia and Japan, as well as scientists and field workers, community group members and biosecurity managers from throughout New Zealand. Two fieldtrips were run, one to Onuku Station to view restoration work, and one to view CoastCare work in the Bay of Plenty. Three facilitated workshops were also included, the outcomes of which will be included in the Spring issue of Protect magazine.
NETS2003
Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
09 Jul – 11 July 2003
The seminar consisted of formal presentations and informal workshops covering a number of sujects, including vertebrate, plant and marine pests. Several field trips and a visit to the Abel Tasman National Park were also undertaken.