Years of support for Biosecurity and the Canterbury branch: Fellowship for Laurence Smith
Category: National. Posted: 30 March 2026
Years of support for Biosecurity and the Canterbury branch of NZBI has earned Laurence Smith an NZBI Fellowship.
Here is the nomination penned by his Canterbury peers:
The Canterbury-West Coast branch believes that Laurence’s service to the branch for almost two decades should be recognised with a Fellowship. He has made a substantial contribution to the running of the branch, branch activities, and the organisation of multiple NETS conferences.
Laurence has been a member of the NZBI and its predecessor organisation for 35 years. He was elected Secretary of the Canterbury-West Coast branch in 2007 and served in this role for many years. He has been Treasurer of the Canterbury West Coast Branch since 2017, and has helped organise NETS conferences in Canterbury and many Canterbury-West Coast mini-NETS (METS). He gave a plenary address at NETS2022, and has presented at every METS on Canterbury’s biosecurity programme, from policy and regulation changes to its vision for biosecurity. He champions the NZBI and encourages new biosecurity officers to join.
Laurence is approaching 45 years in the industry, and is a stalwart of the sector. He began working in the biosecurity industry on 4th August 1980 as a Ranger on the North Canterbury Nassella Tussock Board. In 1983 he became an Inspector, implementing the County Subsidy Scheme (CSS), where farmers were paid a government subsidy if their control efforts were sufficient, and he quickly became Officer in Charge in areas north of the Hurunui River (this work involved signing farmers up to the CSS, ensuring the work was of a good standard, and training new staff).
The Board was absorbed by the Canterbury Regional Council as part of local government reform in 1989. In 1990, Laurence moved into a Noxious Plants Officer role until 1996 when the passing of the Biosecurity Act resulted in a restructure of plant pest management section. He was the Team Leader in the Northern biosecurity team until 2011 when he moved into his current Principal Advisor, Biosecurity role.
Throughout Laurence’s career, he has consistency demonstrated an unwavering dedication and passion for biosecurity. He’s a forward thinker, a mentor and extremely knowledgeable champion of biosecurity.
Pictured: Laurence Smith with Immediate Past President, Rowan Sprague, and Canterbury Branch Chair, Brad Chandler