Pest Weeds Workshop on Industry Engagement and Tracing for Regional Staff
30 April 2026
Enhancing Biosecurity:
Pest Weeds Workshop on Industry Engagement and Tracing for Regional Staff
Strong engagement with the rural community and robust tracing capabilities are critical for those working with pest weeds in the agricultural sector. To strengthen these areas, Waikato Regional Council is planning a two-day workshop and training tailored for biosecurity staff.
This workshop 30 April – 1 May 2026 is designed to equip biosecurity professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to foster better relationships with the rural sector and to track the origins and spread of weed incursions.
Day 1: Forging Stronger Partnerships – Agricultural Industry and Farmer Engagement
The first day of the workshop will focus on enhancing engagement strategies with rural sector. Successful pest and weed management is a collaborative effort, this session will explore best practices for communication, cooperation, and partnership building. Participants will learn how to effectively collaborate with farmers, growers, and other rural stakeholders, ensuring that biosecurity initiatives are well-supported and implemented at the ground level. This engagement is crucial for gathering intelligence, sharing information, and gaining support for control efforts.
Day 2: Mastering the Art of Tracing – Biosecurity Tracing Training with Field Experience
The second day will look at methodology of biosecurity tracing. This training aims to provide staff with an understanding of how to investigate and determine the source of new weed finds, and subsequently, how to predict and track their potential spread. A practical field trip to one or two active sites within the Waikato region to allow participants to apply tracing principles in real-world scenarios and observe the complexities of managing biosecurity threats on site.
Practical Details for Participants
Date: 30 April – 1 May 2026
Venue: While the specific venue is yet to be confirmed, we are aiming to secure the JetPark at Hamilton Airport. This location offers convenience, with the workshop timing to allow participants time to travel in on Day 1 and depart on Day 2.
Costs: Attendees will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs. However, we are pleased to confirm that the Waikato Regional Council (WRC) will generously cover all workshop costs, making this workshop accessible to all biosecurity staff.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is a must-attend for those wishing to:
- Improve their engagement and collaboration with the rural sector in managing regional weeds and.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the methodology for tracing the origins and pathways of weed and pest incursions following a new discovery.
We look forward to welcoming you to this event in 2026.
Please register your interest by sending name and contact details along with number attending to [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] More information in the new year.
Note depending on numbers event participation maybe capped.