We’re so pleased to share that this year’s TMBC Annual Symposium was a roaring success. Over 110 partners, stakeholders, and biosecurity doers and thinkers, came together at the Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club for a day of learning, great conversations, and inspiring speakers – all fuelled by a delicious spread from Rise Bakery and Kex Catering.
The programme highlighted the strength of our collective mahi and the passion driving efforts to protect what we love about Tauranga Moana. Attendees enjoyed thought-provoking talks, interactive sessions, and plenty of opportunities to connect. The Biosecurity Quiz, hosted by Lisa Gibson, kept everyone sharp, while a spot prize for best topic suggestion saw one lucky participant head home with a Bay Explorer double pass.
We were privileged to hear from an outstanding lineup of speakers who brought depth, energy, and fresh perspectives to the day:
Mike Inglis, Commissioner North, Biosecurity New Zealand – Biosecurity: Engaging for Impact
Chris Battershill, University of Waikato – Preventing the Spread of Caulerpa: Early Intervention and Retrofitting in Affected Zones
Mark Whitworth, Cargo Services Manager, Port of Tauranga – Biosecurity at the Port of Tauranga: New Developments and Changing with the Times
Andrew Cridge, Molecular Entomologist, Scion – Biosecurity Surveillance: Using Aerial eDNA for Detection of Invasive Species
Courtney Kuralas, Deep Dive Division – Innovation & Restoration from Port to River
Jasmine Apaapa, rangatahi perspective – Asian Paddle Crab: Working in Biosecurity through a Te Ao Māori Lens
Ian Greaves, local kiwifruit grower – PSA in Kiwifruit: The Devastation & Emotional Toll
Matire Duncan, Māori Caucus, TMBC – Tiakina Taiao: Connecting Tamariki with the Natural Environment
Clare Rodgers and Nina Henderson, PiPs – Educating Rangatahi through Biosecurity
Pete Thomson, CBO, Biosecurity New Zealand – Stepping Forward Together: Implementing the Biosecurity System Action Plan
Dominic Hartnett, Surveillance Coordinator, SPS Biota – Beetle Trapping for Early Detection of Invasive Forestry Pests and Developing DNA Metabarcoding
Phil Taylor, Managing Director, Port Blakely – Forest Shield: Exploring New Approaches to Primary Sector Biosecurity
A huge thank you to our speakers, funders, and everyone who came along. Your support and energy made the day one to remember, and we’re already looking forward to 2026.