"They realised that the risk of a vessel bringing unwanted organisms to Aotearoa is strongly related to its past journey track and characteristics of travel."
Peter Wilkins of AsureQuality received the Minister's Biosecurity Award, which recognised an individual, group or organisation that had at least 10 years of continuous outstanding contribution to biosecurity in New Zealand.
Wilkins had dedicated more than 45 years to protecting New Zealand's taonga, during which time he had responded to more than 80 pest incursions, O'Connor said.
"These span a huge array of pathogens and pests, ranging from termites through to the painted apple moth and fruit fly incursions.
"His calm leadership and commitment to strengthening our biosecurity system makes him a very worthy recipient."
New Zealand wasn't the only country to benefit from Wilkins' expert knowledge, O'Connor said.
"Many countries, including Japan, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga, are safer from biosecurity risks thanks to his dedication."
It was the fifth year for the NZ biosecurity awards, celebrating "those who go above and beyond to protect New Zealand from pests and diseases," O'Connor said.
New Zealand's biosecurity systems were world-renowned and required all Kiwis to play their part, he said.
"We've never been afraid to take on the big challenges such as our Mycoplasma bovis programme, which is progressing well toward eradication. No country has ever achieved this.
"These awards acknowledge that our food and fibre sectors, tourism, biodiversity and economy are underpinned by a strong biosecurity system and that it takes all of us in Aotearoa New Zealand to protect it now and into the future."
Find out more about the winners and finalists here.
New Zealand Biosecurity Awards winners
New Zealand Biosecurity Supreme Award
Xerra Earth Observation Institute for their biosecurity project "Starboard".
Minister's Biosecurity Award
Peter Wilkins of AsureQuality for 45 years experience in biosecurity, leading responses to over 83 significant pest incursions.
BioHeritage Challenge Community Award
Eastern Whio Link for their predator control and mahinga kai (protection of natural resources) work.
GIA Industry Award
Xerra Earth Observation Institute for their biosecurity project "Starboard".
Māori Award
Te Toa Whenua by Te Roroa iwi for intensive pest plant and pest animal management as well as native reforestation.
Kura (School) Award
Lynmore Primary School in Rotorua for six years of diverse student-led biosecurity projects.
Eagle Technology Local and Central Government Award
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Marine Biosecurity team for their contributions to the surveillance and control of invasive marine pests across the upper half of the North Island.
Mondiale VGL Innovation Award
Xerra Earth Observation Institute for their biosecurity project "Starboard".
Bio-Protection Aotearoa Science Award
Cawthron Institute's Aquatic Animal Health Research Programme for tackling major biosecurity issues facing New Zealand, particularly supporting aquaculture sector resilience and enabling more informed proactive farm health management.
AsureQuality Emerging Leader Award
Patrick Cahill for his pioneering contributions to biosecurity surveillance, response, and management in the marine environment.
