Apply to join a Biosecurity Advisory Group
Biosecurity Advisory Groups work with Environment Canterbury to manage plant and animal pests across the region. We are now taking applications for new members to join one of our four groups representing either North, Central, or South Canterbury, or Christchurch & Banks Peninsula
If you're interested in joining your local group, fill in a short application form online before Monday 23 January 2023. You can find detailed information on how the groups operate on our website.
What group members do
Environment Canterbury's biosecurity work is diverse, ranging from leading projects to eradicate pests, to running compliance inspections and promoting pest awareness.
We’re looking for community representatives interested in biosecurity to provide advice and feedback to us, alongside our staff and representatives from our council, papatipu rūnanga and city and district councils.
Groups meet in person three to four times per year at public meetings, as well as occasional online meetings and field trips.
Members are supported to grow their knowledge and understanding of biosecurity priorities, actively contribute to discussions about regional and local biosecurity issues, build networks and champion biosecurity issues within their own communities.
Why you should join
Fiona McDonald is a former member of the Central Biosecurity Advisory Group
“I got involved to share ideas and give community feedback on managing local plant or animal pests,” Fiona McDonald, the Chief Executive at Outdoor Education New Zealand and former member of the Central Biosecurity Advisory Group says.
"Being part of the Advisory Group is even more important as we look at what’s happening to the environment, and the emerging biosecurity threats that might find Canterbury an attractive home with the changes in climate.”
Your skills and interests
Anyone with an interest in biosecurity issues can apply, and members are selected and appointed by Environment Canterbury’s councillors.
We’re looking for people across the region, with the following attributes:
- a broad and balanced range of interests relating to biosecurity
- pest management and/or biosecurity knowledge and experience
- links with local communities
- ability to work collaboratively
- ability to operate using a solution-based and future-focused approach.
How to apply
You can apply via our application page and read more information on our website. If you have any questions, please email biosecurity@ecan.govt.nz or phone 0800 765 588.