Unwavering Commitment to Plant Biosecurity: Trevor James receives a well-earned NZBI Fellowship
Category: National. Posted: 24 July 2026
Senior pest plant researcher Dr Trevor James was presented, in July, with a well-earned NZBI Fellowship, by the Central North Island Branch.
The presentation provided an opportunity to recognise Trevor’s significant contribution to biosecurity.
Here is the nomination penned by his peers:
With a career spanning over five decades, Dr. Trevor James has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the NZBI through sharing his knowledge on plant protection, invasive species management, and biosecurity research in New Zealand. Widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s foremost experts in weed science, Dr. James has made outstanding contributions through research, leadership, education, and direct engagement with land managers and the broader biosecurity community and has been a long-standing member of the institute. Over his years as a member he has presented many papers, run conference workshops at the annual NETS conferences and is a regular attendee of branch and national meetings, providing valuable wisdom and expertise to the executive committee.
Beginning his career in 1974 with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries at Ruakura, Trevor quickly became a key figure in weed research. His early work tackled problematic species, and he was among the first in New Zealand to identify herbicide-resistant weeds in 1979. This pivotal finding laid the foundation for his later leadership of a nationwide government-funded programme on herbicide resistance, which revealed the issue impacts 44% of farms and helped drive new collaborative approaches to weed management.
Trevor has led national responses to invasive weeds such as Johnson grass, woolly nightshade, privet, green cestrum, velvetleaf, and yellow bristle grass. His strategic, campaign-based approach to weed control has helped shape modern biosecurity practices. He is particularly known for championing practical, user-friendly resources, and has co-authored many popular publications including An Illustrated Guide to Common Weeds of New Zealand, now in its fourth edition, with over 15,000 copies sold, Guide to Grasses, Sedges and Rushes of NZ and numerous ute guides for identification of grasses and crop weeds, yellow bristle grass and more recently alligator weed.
Known as a “farmers’ scientist,” Trevor’s roots on a Coromandel sheep farm have always shaped his communication style—honest, clear, and grounded in practical experience. He is a sought-after speaker at field days and industry events and has contributed significantly to education and awareness tools like the AgPest and Weedbusters websites.
In recognition of his service, Trevor was awarded the prestigious New Zealand Plant Protection Medal in 2023. His work has also extended into taxonomy, photography, and publications on weed seed biology and identification. Even after marking 50 years at AgResearch, Trevor remains actively involved in critical projects including herbicide resistance trials, Manchurian wild rice rhizome viability, and velvetleaf seed research. Research gate has 202 Publications that are authored or co-authored by Trevor that have been read more than 58 000 times and sited more than 2500 times.
Trevor continues to run weed eradication workshops, develop new resources, and contribute and share his huge weed photo library for publications throughout New Zealand, reinforcing his legacy as a tireless advocate for New Zealand’s biosecurity and agricultural resilience.
On a more personal level we offer our congratulations in recognition of your lifelong commitment, scientific excellence, and say a massive thanks for your willingness and patience to share your knowledge and experience with us all, you’re an absolute legend!