Latest news and summer essentials
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Tēnā koutou katoa, greetings everyone, welcome to summer!
It's been quite the start to summer and the fire season. In this update:
- Fire safety - avoid the risks
- Farewell to Alan Tinnelly and happy retirement
- People updates
- New operational Good Practice Guides - links
- Resources for community conversations
Sherman says...
Thanks for opening our last update for the year - I will keep my introduction brief as no doubt you are as busy as we are here with your ‘before Christmas’ action lists! Just a few quick things:
I want to thank everyone involved for the incredible collective efforts to continue our essential wilding management work in trying and uncertain times. Whether on the ground, in the air, behind a planning desk, in a vehicle between control sites… and for some that is all of the above, your dedication is truly appreciated and it makes a difference.
It seems a while ago already but the conference in Taupō was a real highlight of this year. It was great to get to the North, see familiar and new faces, and celebrate the outstanding landscapes around Taupō and those working hard to protect them.
All the best with your must-do jobs… have a safe and joyful Christmas and New Year. If you are working on control operations while others are holidaying, an extra special thank you. And if you're heading into the hills to enjoy some R&R, don't forget your pruning saw!
With some sadness, a bit of nostalgia and a lot of gratitude, it’s time to officially inform you that Alan Tinnelly is taking his well-deserved retirement from MPI.
Alan has provided his immense experience and skills to the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme - in the team at BNZ and the partners across the country - since it began in 2016. His contribution to MPI and its preceding forms began in 1993!
We were sad to farewell Alan but he has left us in a good place, well equipped to keep delivering. I am sure you join me in thanking Alan and wishing him the very best. If you spot Alan and his caravan around the South Island, give him a pat on the back.
Sherman Smith, National Wilding Conifer Control Programme Manager at Biosecurity New Zealand
A Christmas Wish: Stay safe and be fire-wise
Fire season is well and truly underway. Please watch this Video on reducing fire risk before heading out for any outdoor work or activities over summer and share it around.
This newsletter would have been out earlier, had we not been diverted to help with information and communications in relation to the recent Bridge Hill fire in Craigieburn. Wilding pine control crews in the wider area were pulled out when fire conditions became too risky - in line with our fire risk mitigation guidance.
More people updates
As announced at the 2024 Wilding Pine Conference in October: Richard Bowman is retiring from his role as Chair of the Wilding Pine Network. He is still holding the reins until a replacement Chair is confirmed, expected in the new year. There will be more to say about Richard’s extraordinary contribution to wilding control in New Zealand over many decades, and input into both the first National Strategy and the resulting National Programme.
We also acknowledge that Angela Johnston has moved on from Federated Farmers, and therefore her role in our Operational Advisory Group. The BNZ team has really enjoyed having Angela involved in the programme and the significant support that she has provided – we wish Angela well in her next steps. Phill Holland, Governance Group representative for Federated Farmers, will have his hands full for a while covering the Operational Advisory Group matters as well.
The team now has a third Sarah! Welcome to Sarah Giles, Matanga Tatai Wahi / Geospatial Specialist, Toitū Te Whenua Land Information NZ. Way to hit the ground running 'Sarah G'!
National Wilding Conifer Management Strategy workshop @ Conference 2024
At the national conference in October, Sherman and the team took the opportunity to gain input into a planned a refresh of the National Wilding Conifer Management Strategy 2014-2030.
Thanks to those present for being so prepared to give this focus, what a great way to start this process. Read more and view the initial feedback.
Need swag?
Popular resources available at no cost
Our promotional items went down at treat at the Christchurch Show in November. If you will be out talking to your community about wilding control, or want to say thanks to volunteers, we'd be glad to send you these giveaways and other education resources.
Pictured: Magnet note pad, neck gaiter, temporary tattoos of threatened species - kids of all ages love 'em!
New Good Practice Guides now available
Good practice is a process of constant improvement, and so as always, these are iterative documents. Our specialists welcome feedback or suggestions from anyone using these guides. Contact Research and Good Practice specialist Jennifer, or Health & Safety specialist Johno regarding the Remote and Isolated Work guide.
Post-Control Auditing (ground control) GPG
News and useful links
TV coverage of the Mackenzie Basin wilding problem
The wilding problem in the Mackenzie, and the great people doing something about it, were highlighted on TVNZ's Seven Sharp recently. This extensive item features a local bike tour company involving tourists in wilding control, along with comments from Haeleigh Turner and Ross Ivey of Wildling Free Mackenzie. Worth checking out if you have access.
News coverage of wilding pines' role in the recent Bridge Hill fire (just a couple of examples)
ECan's Rich Langley was filmed explaining to the community and RNZ reporters how past wilding control had lessened the fuel load
This follow up article in The Christchurch Press (Stuff) highlights concerns about future fires and the need for wilding control.
