Animal and Plant Health NZ has appointed Jo-Anne Stokes as Technical Adviser - Crop Protection to help its members tackle the hurdles associated with bringing innovative solutions to New Zealand to manage pests and diseases.
Stokes derived an appreciation for these tools in her biosecurity role for the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), where she managed treatments for pests and diseases intercepted at the border. “It is vital for Aotearoa to have the most effective options for managing up to 15,000 pests and diseases considered direct threats to our economy, environment and way of life”.
“I’ve seen first-hand what can happen when an unwelcome pest or disease invades our country,” she says. Climate change and resistance to treatments will likely see these threats evolve.
“Animal and Plant Health members play a vital role in managing pests and protecting our food security. I am excited to be helping them navigate complex regulatory requirements as they develop innovative solutions for protecting New Zealand’s land-based economies – now and for the future”.
In her 14 years with MPI, Stokes was instrumental in developing a programme to ensure imports are treated before arriving on our shores, as well as meeting requirements for exporting goods. Before that, Stokes held technical and policy-based roles at Federated Farmers NZ and Rural Women NZ.
She is no stranger to getting her gumboots dirty – having managed farming operations in dairy, beef and horticulture locally and overseas. Her combined background has taught her that “there aren't enough tools to eradicate pests and diseases to protect our whenua for the next generation".
When not planning the demise of any pest or disease, Stokes can be found rowing or coaching rowers in Wellington harbour at daybreak.
Animal and Plant Health NZ Chief Executive Mark Ross says the association is pleased to welcome someone with Jo-Anne’s expertise, experience, and commitment to the team.
