ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
ABOUT
Who We Are
The Top of the South Marine Biosecurity Partnership (TOS) is a collaborative network of councils, government agencies, iwi, industry, and community groups working together to protect the marine environment of Te Tauihu (Top of the South) and Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington).
Our shared goal is simple: prevent the introduction and spread of harmful marine pests that threaten biodiversity, aquaculture, recreation, and cultural values.
Our History
The Partnership was established in 2013 in response to growing concerns about the spread of invasive marine species in the Top of the South region. Recognising that no single organisation could tackle this challenge alone, TOS was formed to coordinate efforts, share resources, and deliver consistent messaging across regions. In 2023, Greater Wellington Regional Council joined the Partnership, strengthening our ability to protect marine environments across Te Tauihu and Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Our Partners
The Top of the South Marine Biosecurity Partnership (TOS) works collaboratively with a wide network of organisations committed to protecting our marine environment. These partners and stakeholders bring expertise, resources, and local knowledge to help prevent the spread of harmful marine pests.
- Nelson City Council
- Marlborough District Council
- Tasman District Council
- Greater Wellington Regional Council
- Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
- Te Tauihu (Top of the South) Iwi representatives
- Taranaki Regional Council
- Environment Canterbury
- Department of Conservation
- Aquaculture New Zealand
- Marine Farming Association (MFA)
- Cawthron Institute
- Earth Sciences New Zealand (formally NIWA)
- Chaffers Marina
- Evans Bay Marina
- Mana Marina
- Clyde Quay Marina
- Seaview Marina
- Picton Marina
- Waikawa Marina
- Havelock Marina
- Port Tarakohe (Golden Bay) Marina
- Port Marlborough
- Port Wellington (Centreport)
- LPC Te Ana Marina
What we do
The Top of the South Marine Biosecurity Partnership works together to protect our coastal waters through practical, collaborative action. Here’s how we make a difference:
Coordinate Regional Marine Biosecurity Efforts
We align marine biosecurity activities across Nelson, Marlborough, Tasman, and Wellington, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
Undertake Marine Pest Surveillance Programmes
Our team undertakes regular surveillance and hull inspections to detect and manage marine pests before they spread, reducing risk to our marine ecosystems.
Develop Tools & Resources
We create practical guides and solutions for boat owners, aquaculture operators, and marine businesses to help them meet biosecurity requirements.
Increase Education & Awareness
We empower communities to take action and understand the importance of marine biosecurity through targeted campaigns.
Collaborate with Partners and stakeholders
We work alongside councils, government agencies, iwi, industry, and research organisations to deliver consistent messaging and effective marine pest management strategies.
Our Strategic Plan
The Partnership is guided by a clear strategy to protect our marine environment. Our purpose is to prevent marine pests from being introduced or established, manage existing pests, and respond quickly to new incursions.
Our 10-year vision is a healthy, resilient marine ecosystem that sustains the needs of present and future generations. Over the next three years, we aim to:
- Increase awareness and good practice among marine users.
- Strengthen resources and capability for rapid response.
- Enhance operational delivery and behaviour change programmes.
- Build critical infrastructure and national alliances.
- Continue to support and engage tāngata whenua in marine biosecurity.
This strategy focuses on surveillance, rapid response, behaviour change, and collaboration—ensuring we maintain programme sustainability and influence national approaches to marine biosecurity.
Summary of the Top of the South Marine Biosecurity Strategic Plan 2021-2030:
Our Annual Operational Plans
To turn strategy into action, the Partnership develops annual operational plans that outline the practical activities we will deliver each year. These plans detail:
- Surveillance and response programmes to detect and manage marine pests.
- Education and engagement initiatives to drive behaviour change among marine users.
- Coordination and reporting to ensure accountability and progress toward strategic objectives.
- Workstreams for capability building, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure improvements.
Each operational plan is reviewed annually and updated to reflect emerging risks, partner priorities, and lessons learned. This ensures our efforts remain targeted, collaborative, and effective in protecting Te Tauihu and Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Annual Report
Top of the South Marine Biosecurity Partnership Annual Report 2024/25
Incident Response Manual
The purpose of this Manual is to provide an agreed process for TOS Marine Biosecurity Partners to respond to an incident that poses a marine biosecurity risk within the Top of the South Island region.
Incidents include reports of marine risk organism incursions and suspect risk vectors. This Manual sets out guidance so that decisions and processes are approached in a consistent and agreed manner by all Councils and stakeholders with regional responsibilities under the Partnership.
Current version updated 15 October 2025: