TDGG will look to form a collective view on matters that relate to GIA and looks forward to engaging with MPI on this. MPI representatives agreed to maintain regular contact with TDGG, to ensure the group is informed on the review’s progress and has the opportunity to consider the key themes that emerge.

MPI representatives also briefed TDGG on its updated readiness programme for 2015, including the development of a five-year readiness plan. Ther group said it was pleased to note that, over time, the readiness programme will be driven by operational agreements signed through GIA.

TDGG noted there is work underway across a number of areas relating to the implementation of GIA, including:

• Processes underway in various sectors to consider joining GIA (including investigating the use of single corporate bodies to represent multiple sectors);
• Clarifying the use of Crown loans to fund GIA commitments;
• Review of the GIA Deed (scheduled for two years from initial signing);
• Defining ‘engagement across the wider biosecurity system’;
• Revising the confidentiality deed.

This meeting was the final formal TDGG meeting for Owen Symmans (CEO of NZ Pork) and Peter Silcock (CE of Horticulture NZ), both of whom are leaving their respective industry positions; for Sarah Vaughan of the GIA Secretariat; and Zena Groom of MPI. All four have made excellent contributions to the development of the GIA partnership. TDGG thanks them for their efforts and wishes them all the best for their future endeavours. Their departures will see changes to the makeup of TDGG, and these will be reported at a future meeting.

The next formal TDGG meeting will be held on 7 July 2015. It expects to hold a special meeting (most likely in late July) to agree objectives for 2015/16 and for a deeper engagement in Biosecurity 2025.