About Peter

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I have 22 years in the wider ‘bio-business’, developing simple solutions to complex problems. I have experience in writing and reviewing plans and control programmes, inter-agency projects, and more. 

New Zealand is characterised by climate and habitat diversity and ever changing political situations: destroying pests is only part of the job! I believe that engaging with, and dealing well by people, is the key to solving biosecurity matters. 

Biosecurity is fast paced, evolves quickly and affects many of our lives and businesses. My principles are well aligned with the qualities needed to work in Biosecurity. I keep solutions simple and in plain English; seek collaboration; and introduce new ideas into the mix. 

I achieve better ‘bio-connections’ by thinking about the whole picture and seeing how things are for others. I can tailor unique responses to your current and future biosecurity needs to create better biosecurity outcomes for you.

See how Peter has been 'Improving NZ's biosecurity, from home in Cambridge'  (January 2017).

http://i.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/business/87504908/improving-nzs-biosecurity-from-home-in-cambridge

Read about Peter’s Stuff comment on the Queensland Fruit Fly response by MPI (February 2020)

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/119389703/queensland-fruit-fly-why-it-cost-18-million-to-rid-aucklands-north-shore-of-pest

Also, the serious business of stink bugs - we do not want these invasive critters in our part of the world (February 2020).

http://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/409653/new-zealand-on-look-out-for-stink-bugs-after-europe-hit-hard

Awards - Received Peter Ingram Memorial Award for services to pest plant education and management. New Zealand Biosecurity Institute  (July 2016).

Read all about it on page 14 of the link below  http://biosecurity.org.nz/images/pdfs/Protect/Protect-Spring-2016.pdf

Peter has been busy lately volunteering with Predator Free Cambridge (building traps and engaging with people - (see photo) and Predator Free Tamahere, developing their predator control Operational Plan.

I'm also writing a BIOSECURITY book  

"In Search of Ripping Good Biosecurity Yarns”

I have significant experience at a senior management level: having worked at the operational coalface for over 20 years. I’ve worked with the Waikato Regional Council, Department of Conservation and on national biosecurity advisory groups.  

My leadership responsibilities included: contractor and staff management of 16 people, writing strategy/policy and managing many diverse pest plant and pest animal operations, with an annual budget of $7M. My career highlights are summarised below.

Better Biosecurity Solutions Ltd, Director (consultant)

MARCH 2015 – CURRENT

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• ‘Ownership’ of group processes and initiatives, SOP development/implementation

• Build and maintain relationships with wide range of internal/external groups

• Planning and delivery of an expanding pest management programme ($7M per annum)

• Management of nine staff and regionally based contractors (in total 16 FTE’s)

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTs

• Leadership – played a large part in achieving a 10% increase in group staff satisfaction in 2013 Best Places to Work survey. Led development of group norms, mentoring and fostering team unity, pest plant team and whole of group (18 people).

• Contract/process management – led and implemented contract development and renewal for $1.2M pest plant control programme, introducing 3 new contractors to programme. Commended by Audit NZ for having very robust contract/tender processes,

• Delivering results – achieved ‘unbroken’ possum control across the north-west Waikato area (140,000 hectares). Took it from concept to completion, with guaranteed results to communities, through application of a ‘completer/finisher’ mentality, and

• Initiative – e.g. developed a simple yet robust prioritisation process for Council Long Term Plan development. Applied over the last six years (to determine annual spend of $3.5M). Developed five successful business cases for latest council LTP processes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project lead and principal writer of first and second Regional Pest Management Plans (RPMP) - 1995/96 and 2001/02 (advisor/mentor in 2013/14 review)

• Develop stakeholder network, focus on innovation, creativity and sharing of knowledge

• Delivery and expansion of the animal pest control programme ($1.3M to $3M p.a.)

Major Achievements

• Focused - successfully completed RPMP’s to time and council expectations,

• Partnerships – took proactive, lead role in co-ordinating regional possum control. Held up by DOC Head Office as the ‘model for other regions to follow’

• Enduring relationships developed with contractors and farming communities – through building excellent contract management competence and farmer confidence.

Master of Science

Geography, with Honours

Thesis topic: “Interacting Multi-scale Wind Systems in Westland National Park, New Zealand” – University of Canterbury (1987).

Bachelor of Science

major in Geography

With geology, biology and history. University of Canterbury (1985).

Leadership, Project Management & Related Training

Completed a wide range of in-house and external leadership, communications, project management, budgetary and IT related training. Key examples include:

• Leadership and Influence in Organisation and Community: advanced leadership training, Anne Kilgour (2011-2013)

• Shifting Gears – Continuous Improvement (2007)

• Presented papers at conferences (USA, 2006 and NZ, 2003, 1995)

• NZ Institute of Management- management and leadership courses (1996, 1999)

• Certificate of Proficiency in Planning Law (RMA) – Canterbury University (1992)

Professional Membership

NZ Biosecurity Institute

Past chair—Central North Island Branch