More recognition for NRC biosecurity staff

 

Northland Regional Council staff have secured two of three national awards made by their biosecurity peers across New Zealand; one for achievement in pest plant education and advocacy, and the other for innovation.

Pest plant expert Sara Brill won the Peter Ingram award for achievement in pest plant advocacy, education or management, while marine biosecurity colleague Cameron Bunton received the new Dave Galloway award for innovation for the online Pest Control Hub.

Council deputy chairman David Sinclair says with just three awards given out each year by the New Zealand Biosecurity Institute (NZBI) at its national conference, it’s a very special honour for Northlanders to secure two of them.

The institute is an incorporated society with membership open to anyone interested in biosecurity issues and represents agency and industry sectors as well as local government. Its annual conference was held in Nelson late last month with the theme ‘Shining the Light on Innovation’. 

Sara Brill – known to many Northlanders for the hugely popular pest plant workshops she runs every winter – was nominated for her tireless work in plant pest education and advocacy. 

Councillor Sinclair says Ms Brill has a lifelong interest in plants and willingly shares that knowledge with others.

“Sara has won wide respect amongst those she works with and is a fantastic role model and mentor, both for our pest plant staff and the wider community.” 

Cam Bunton’s innovation award recognises his involvement helping to develop initiatives like the award-winning Northland Pest Control Hub, an interactive information portal for the public to find out more about biosecurity and what the regional council can do. 

Councillor Sinclair says Mr Bunton began his council career as a cadet about six years ago and is now a valued member of its marine biosecurity team.

“Cam’s an innovative thinker who has been heavily involved with improving biosecurity processes and is never shy from doing something different or going the extra mile to deliver projects.” 

The duo’s success comes not long after the council’s innovative marine biosecurity programme was recognized as a highly commended finalist at the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) Excellence Awards.

Marine biosecurity member Cam Bunton and colleague, pest plant expert Sara Brill. The duo have just been nationally recognised for their respective contributions to biosecurity.