On 28 August, Queenstown will become the focal point for New Zealand's biosecurity efforts as business leaders gather for a dedicated leadership event. Co-hosted by the Biosecurity Business Pledge, Queenstown Airport, and New Zealand Winegrowers, the gathering aims to underscore the critical role that organisations across sectors play in protecting the nation's natural and economic assets.
The event opens with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Queenstown Airport's biosecurity facilities, offering attendees a rare look at the frontline systems designed to keep invasive pests and diseases out of New Zealand. Following the tour, participants will examine local initiatives to control wilding pines and preserve biodiversity, before a leadership discussion at Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen.
Industry leaders to address biosecurity challenges
Confirmed speakers include Todd Grace, Chief of Aviation & Customer at Queenstown Airport; Stuart Anderson, Director-General of Biosecurity New Zealand; and Tim Towers, Biosecurity Adviser at NZ Winegrowers. Grace highlighted the broad impact of biosecurity, stating, “Biosecurity isn't just an issue for border agencies. It has implications for tourism, trade, the environment, and the economy.”
The event also marks the launch of new procurement guidance designed to help businesses strengthen their biosecurity resilience. Debbie Teale, Executive Director of the Biosecurity Business Pledge, emphasised the collective nature of the challenge: “Strong biosecurity depends on everyone working together. No single organisation can protect New Zealand alone.”
For travel professionals, the event carries particular significance. Queenstown Airport is a key gateway for international visitors, and the region's tourism economy relies heavily on its pristine environment. Biosecurity breaches could disrupt air travel, affect wine exports, and damage the destination's appeal. The event's focus on cross-sector collaboration reflects a growing recognition that biosecurity is a shared responsibility across aviation, hospitality, and tourism.
The Queenstown Biosecurity Leadership Event is free to attend, but spaces are limited and prior registration is required. It forms part of Biosecurity Awareness Month, a nationwide initiative to reinforce the importance of protecting New Zealand's unique environment and way of life.
This initiative aligns with broader industry efforts to integrate sustainability and risk management into business operations. As business events continue to grow in New Zealand, the biosecurity conversation becomes increasingly relevant for MICE planners and destination managers.
For airlines and airports, biosecurity is a frontline operational concern. Queenstown Airport's investment in advanced screening and inspection systems demonstrates how aviation stakeholders are stepping up. The event's tour offers a practical look at these measures, which are essential for maintaining New Zealand's biosecurity status and supporting international connectivity.
Winegrowers, meanwhile, face specific threats from pests like the brown marmorated stink bug, which could devastate vineyards. NZ Winegrowers' involvement highlights the intersection of agriculture, trade, and tourism—a nexus that travel professionals should watch closely.
The new procurement guidance is a practical tool for businesses of all sizes. By embedding biosecurity criteria into supply chains and vendor selection, companies can reduce risk and contribute to national resilience. This approach mirrors trends in corporate event planning, where sustainability and risk management are increasingly central.
As New Zealand positions itself as a premium destination, maintaining its biosecurity edge is not just a regulatory requirement—it's a competitive advantage. Events like this one help ensure that the entire travel ecosystem, from airports to tour operators, is aligned on best practices.
Registration details are available through the Biosecurity Business Pledge website. With limited capacity, early sign-up is recommended for those wishing to participate in this important industry conversation.
