Kiwifruit Vine Health chairman Peter Ombler has been appointed to the Biosecurity Ministerial Advisory Committee.

He joins four other new members Rob Phillips (chief executive, Environment Southland); Professor Philip Hulme (professor of Plant Biosecurity, Lincoln University); Catherine Taylor (consultant with specialty experience in the aviation and maritime sectors); and Dr Jacqueline Beggs (associate professor of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland). The five appointees join four reappointments to the committee: Graeme Marshall, Terry Donaldson, David Douglas and Dr Caroline Saunders. Graeme has been appointed as chair for a three-year term.

The committee plays an important role in providing the Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy with independent advice on the performance of New Zealand's biosecurity system as a whole; and on specific biosecurity issues where necessary.

The Minister says the new appointees bring a range of skills, experience and networks, 'and create a wealth of expertise on the committee”.