A new initiative with the potential to improve biosecurity at all New Zealand ports is being launched in Tauranga this morning.

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy will be in town to launch the ‘Biosecurity Operational Excellence at Port of Tauranga', a scheme aiming to encourage everyone involved in port activities to play a role in keeping pests out of New Zealand.

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy with other representatives at the launch. Photo: Elaine Fisher.

At this morning's launch, the minister will unveil new on-site biosecurity signs designed to help raise awareness of potential threats to primary industries from unwanted pests which may get into the country through the port.

The initiative has arisen from a working group formed by the Port of Tauranga Limited, Kiwifruit Vine Health, the Ministry for Primary Industries and local government and industry organisations, with the common goal of pursuing ‘Biosecurity Operational Excellence at the Port of Tauranga'.

The aim is that everyone involved in port activities works together to better understand the common biosecurity risks faced, and do their bit to identify and manage those risks. The working group also explores opportunities to innovate and strengthen MPI's current screening and inspection programmes to reduce risks even further.

The initiative is Bay of Plenty-focused and tailored to the organisms and particular imported goods most relevant to the region. However, opportunity exists to develop the model and apply it across all New Zealand regions and ports.

Those attending the launch will be welcomed by Leonard Sampson, Port of Tauranga's commercial manager. Kiwifruit Vine Health president Peter Ombler and Barry O'Neil, CEO of KVH will give an overview of the project, followed by an address by Nathan Guy.

Guest will also have the chance to observe the passenger biosecurity screening processes at a visiting cruise ship.

Although today is the scheme's official launch, some extra biosecurity measures have already been put in place with detector dogs introduced at all first and second cruise ship ports of arrival in 2014/2015.

MPI is negotiating the loading of fruit that meets NZ standards on cruise ships offshore. Port community awareness programmes have included biosecurity induction materials, regular MPI biosecurity presentations at port forums and a current stink bug awareness campaign.

Following this morning's event, the Minister will attend a Future Leaders Group lunch where he will provide an update on biosecurity, labour shortage and horticulture collaboration.

The Future Leaders Group aims to develop potential future leaders of the horticultural industries by engaging young people through regular learning, networking and social activities.

The Minister has one other function to attend in Tauranga this afternoon, the details of which are currently under wraps.