Some of MPi's new recruits were showing their capabilities at the public display marking the beginning of Biosecurity Week today.

Competitions, giveaways and games, were part of the day as well as the biosecurity beagle dog demonstration at Mount Maunganui,

The event was held outside the port's Salisbury gate to coincide with the first overnight cruise ship stay for the season.

It also marks the start of the high-risk season for pests entering New Zealand.

The week is all about getting the biosecurity message out there, as local residents have an important role to play, says Kiwifruit Vine Health Chief Executive, Barry O'Neil.

'Particularly for residents that live adjacent to an international port, like those in Mount Maunganui, we ask that residents keep a watchful eye out for damaging pests such as the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug and Red Imported Fire Ant,” says Barry.

'We're looking forward to talking to the public about this important issue, as well as reinforcing the message within partner's industries.”

Effective biosecurity awareness is critical to the Bay of Plenty region, says Barry. A major biosecurity incursion puts at risk New Zealanders livelihoods, lifestyles and environment, as well as having major impacts on our orchards, forests and farms and the thousands of people they employ.

Port of Tauranga Commercial Manager, Leonard Sampson says the week will provide a good opportunity to strengthen the significance of biosecurity within the community.

'The public day allows residents to learn about the impacts of invasive pests on us all. The MPI biosecurity beagle dog will also be on hand to demonstrate the fantastic work they do,” he said.

'The awareness week will also see a range of activities happening at the Port of Tauranga involving Port personnel, plus industry partner visits to transitional and post-harvest facilities, to provide biosecurity collateral and raise understanding amongst industry workers.”

Biosecurity Week is part of the biosecurity excellence partnership between Port of Tauranga, Ministry for Primary Industries, Kiwifruit Vine Health, NZ Avocado, Dairy NZ, Forestry Owners Association, NZ Customs and Bay of Plenty Regional Council. The partnership aims to build a port community committed to biosecurity excellence, which includes local residents as well as those working within the port.