Protecting New Zealand takes all of us.
This week, around 45 of ContainerCo’s Depot Managers and key Team Leaders came together at our Tauranga Support Office for our National Managers’ Conference.
A highlight was a thought-provoking session with Ryan Richards, Chief Quarantine Officer – Border Clearance Services at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Ryan spoke about the consequences of biosecurity inaction, including the potentially devastating economic and social impact the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug could have if it became established in New Zealand. MPI estimates that an initial incursion would cost New Zealand somewhere in the vicinity of $4b in losses, highlighting the importance of keeping this pest off our shores.
With around 20 active biosecurity incursions being managed at any given time, vigilance across every part of the supply chain is crucial. As a major handler of shipping containers nationwide, ContainerCo’s frontline teams form an important part of MPI’s extended surveillance network—watching, identifying and reporting anything that may present a risk.
Ryan also shared his thoughts on how MPI and ContainerCo can continue working even more closely together. Open, collaborative relationships like this help protect our borders, our primary industries and communities across the motu.
MPI is a highly valued industry partner, and we greatly appreciate Ryan taking the time to engage directly with our frontline leaders. Sessions like this strengthen our collective understanding—and remind us that when it comes to biosecurity, every extra pair of watchful eyes matters.