The 56-year-long biosecurity career of Phil Karaitiana has ended. He was pictured with his wife Tina and GDC chief executive Nadine Thatcher-Swann with a council award for his long service. Photo / Gisborne District Council
The 56-year-long biosecurity career of Phil Karaitiana has ended. He was pictured with his wife Tina and GDC chief executive Nadine Thatcher-Swann with a council award for his long service. Photo / Gisborne District Council
Gisborne District Council’s long-time pest control and biosecurity team leader Phil Karaitiana has called time on a 56-year career that started with culling rabbits on horseback.
He started with the former East Coast Pest Destruction Board as a 16-year-old in 1970.
“For Phillip Karaitiana, protecting the land and communities ofTe Tairāwhiti has been more than just a job. It has been a lifelong commitment,” the council said in a statement.
“With whānau already working on the rabbit board, he spent school holidays staying with his uncle and seeing firsthand what the job involved.”
His role has taken him from rabbit patrols on horseback with working dogs to modern pest control supported by new technologies and systems.
“If someone reported a rabbit, we had to investigate straight away,” he said.
Much of his early work involved travelling across farms and hill country on horseback with working dogs, developing a practical understanding of the land and a strong appreciation for the communities that depended on it.
"For Phil, protecting the land and communities of Te Tairāwhiti has been more than just a job; it has been a lifelong commitment" - Gisborne District Council. Photo / Gisborne District Council
The focus shifted from rabbits to possums as concerns grew around the spread of bovine tuberculosis, and the damage possums were causing to erosion-control planting, such as willows.
Later, plant pests, freshwater and marine species were brought into scope as biosecurity responsibilities expanded under the Biosecurity Act.
Throughout his career, Karaitiana has helped guide responses to a range of regional challenges, including urban infestations such as Argentine ants.
“We were getting a lot of calls from the public about them.”
He worked alongside the community to raise awareness and provide practical tools to help residents manage infestations themselves.
Treatment products were sourced and made available to the public at cost, alongside information on how to use them safely and effectively.
Over time, reports declined as more households became equipped to manage the problem locally.
For him, it showed the importance of working alongside communities to achieve better environmental outcomes.
When asked what kept him at the council for more than half a century, his answer was simple.
“The people.
“Seeing the team in the morning, catching up over a cup of tea and working alongside landowners and the community, that is what kept me committed to the job.”
He was also proud of the opportunity to mentor staff, students and interns over the years, helping guide the next generation working in biosecurity.
“My role is to guide and make sure people reach their full potential.
“I have never been one for micromanaging. People need the opportunity to develop.”
While stepping away from his day-to-day work, he was not planning to go far.
“I am not leaving the country.
“I know I will probably get a phone call and I am happy to help. Just do not make it too often,” he joked.
Looking ahead, he hopes to slow down a little while staying active and connected to the community he has spent a lifetime serving.
“I would like to feel productive but take things a little easier.
“I am looking forward to spending time with whānau, getting back into the water, maybe a bit of surfing again and joining my wife for her morning swims.”
GDC chief executive Nedine Thatcher-Swann said Karaitiana’s legacy will be felt across the region for years to come.
“Phil has always led with respect and integrity in everything he does. He is approachable, supportive and genuinely committed to working alongside our communities to protect the land and biodiversity of Tairāwhiti,” Thatcher-Swann said.
“His willingness to share knowledge and support others has helped build capability within our team for the future and we are grateful for the experience and leadership he has shared with us over the years.”
The council statement thanked Karaitiana for his contributions to the council and wider Tairāwhiti community.
“Everyone at the council wishes Phil all the very best for his well-deserved retirement.”
