Marine biosecurity finalists in 2022 NZ Biosecurity Awards

As Aotearoa’s aquaculture industry grows, leadership in biosecurity is essential to protect New Zealand waters and ensure the threat and damage of any biosecurity incursions in the future are minimised. For its collaborative work developing the new A+ New Zealand Salmon Industry Biosecurity Standards, Aquaculture New Zealand and the New Zealand Salmon Farmers Association are finalists in the GIA Industry Award category.

Our own Aless Smith (pictured) of Northland Regional Council is also a finalist in the AssureQuality Emerging Leader category for her ability to lead, support, encourage and mentor her colleagues. Aless leads by example and is no stranger to throwing herself into the operational mahi. Her leadership qualities have resulted in her representing NRC nationally, and leading or being a key support to the majority of the Top of the North’s collaborative behaviour change initiatives which are critical to effectively managing pest and disease pathways between the regions.