H5 Bird Flu Has Reached Our Shores, Here Is What You Need to Know
Free online webinar brings together leading experts on the H5 bird flu response, long-term management, and how communities can help
TAURANGA, 22 September 2026 H5 bird flu is no longer a distant threat. It has reached Aotearoa shores, and communities, industries, and individuals need clear, trusted information about what is happening, what is being done, and what they can do.
On Thursday 15 October 2026, Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital (TMBC) and Te Tira Whakamātaki (TTW) will co-host a free online webinar bringing together experts from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the Department of Conservation (DOC), Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), and Bay of Plenty Regional Council to answer the questions New Zealanders are asking right now.
The Ministry for Primary Industries, which is leading the national H5 bird flu response, will be represented by Maryna Sokolova, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer. “H5 bird flu is no longer a distant threat, and New Zealand is responding quickly to reduce impacts on wildlife and communities, and to protect poultry production.
“It’s important people understand what H5 bird flu is, what it means for New Zealand, and the simple steps they can take to protect wildlife, limit spread, and keep safe.
“The Ministry for Primary Industries is working closely with partners across government, iwi, industry, and local authorities to prepare for and respond to H5 bird flu. Events like this webinar are an important way to share information and help communities understand the role they can play in the response.”
What the webinar will cover
The webinar is designed to be informative without being overwhelming, covering the key things people need to know:
The current status of the H5 bird flu response in Aotearoa, who is leading it, and how agencies are working together
What to expect from H5 bird flu here, including transmission between birds, marine life, other animals, and the risk to humans
What to do if you find a sick or dead bird, how to report it, and what happens next
DOC role in protecting native wildlife, including vaccine prioritisation, conservation concerns, and what a mass die-back event would mean for our taonga species
Long-term management planning and how Regional Councils are preparing for and coordinating the response
Human health risks associated with H5 bird flu, symptoms, transmission, and how to protect yourself
The Department of Conservation will also be represented on the day, speaking to the wildlife response, native species, and the role of kaitiakitanga in protecting Aotearoa taiao.
Confirmed speakers
Maryna Sokolova, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry for Primary Industries Suliana Teasdale, Principal Advisor, Department of Conservation
Emma Sherwood, Clinical Lead for HPAI, Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand)
Shane Grayling, Team Leader Biosecurity, Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Event details
Event: Understanding the Aotearoa Response to H5 Bird Flu
Date: Thursday 15 October 2026
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Format: Free online webinar
Registration: Co-hosted by: Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital and Te Tira Whakamātaki
About Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital
Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital (TMBC) exists to protect the Bay of Plenty's environment, economy, and way of life from the pests, weeds, and diseases that threaten Aotearoa's biosecurity. TMBC brings together government, industry, iwi, and community to raise awareness, build capability, and strengthen biosecurity outcomes across the rohe.
About Te Tira Whakamātaki
Te Tira Whakamātaki is a Māori environmental not-for-profit working at the intersection of science, stories, and sovereignty. They exist to protect what matters most, the whenua, wai, taonga species, seeds, stories, and people of Aotearoa. Rooted in mātauranga Māori and strengthened by community, Te Tira Whakamātaki is a movement of kaitiaki, researchers, educators, and storytellers united in their purpose to restore balance to te taiao.