Primary Industries & Biosecurity

Cultivating Sustainable Industry

The primary industries are central to New Zealand’s economy. They dominate New Zealand’s exports and are crucial to our success.

New Zealand’s primary sector is rapidly evolving.

Fast-paced innovation is required to keep up with ever-increasing consumer demands, regulation, and competition.

We have a network of sector experts that we can draw on for a range of assignments.

These include, but are not limited to, sector experts in forestry, agriculture, and fisheries.

What we do

Our deep sector knowledge extends to all primary sectors.

It spans Australia and New Zealand, with our expertise able to be used across both regulatory environments.

We offer consultancy services for a diverse range of areas, covering:

Strategy
Policy development
Independent reviews
Expert advice
Innovation.

Our specialist services enable us to understand the challenges the industry faces and present tailored solutions.

Examples of our work in Primary Industries and Biosecurity

Sapere has conducted more than 10 reviews of Primary Growth Partnerships (PGP) and Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures programmes.

Most recently, we completed the final evaluation of the Red Meat Profit Partnership for MPI.

Other examples of our work in the primary industries and biosecurity include:

A review of New Zealand’s access to innovation facilities in the food and beverage, forestry and wood processing, and advanced manufacturing sectors
Investigation into the size of New Zealand’s bioeconomy
Investigation into the value of New Zealand’s agritech sector
The state of land-based farm systems scientific research in New Zealand
A report for Food HQ supporting an application for funding from the Provincial Growth Fund.

We have a proven track record across all stages of the value chain. Whether it’s production, manufacturing, distribution, governance, or policy, we have the experience and the necessary expertise to assist our clients.

Our primary industry and biosecurity advisory and modelling services involve the development of independent reports for internal or public use as well as the provision of expert testimony.

Key contacts

David Moore

Managing Director
WELLINGTON
dmoore@thinkSapere.com

Sally Carrick

Director
MELBOURNE
scarrick@thinkSapere.com

Matt Balmford

Director
MELBOURNE
mbalmford@thinkSapere.com

William Li

Principal
MELBOURNE
wli@thinkSapere.com

Some of our recent articles of interest

Staff spotlight – Sue Friend

This month we spotlight Sue Friend, a Managing Director in our Forensics team. Sue shares her love of the outdoors and hiking and finds this brings balance to her work at Sapere.

Thinking about utility customer engagement

In this article Dr Richard Tooth examines developments in how regulated utilities engage with their customers, the problem of uninformed respondent bias and other issues.

Sunset review of the regulations for Victorian private health service establishments

Client: Victorian Department of Health

This report analyses proposed changes to Victoria's Health Service Establishment Regulations, focusing on improving clinical governance, safety, and quality. The RIS reviewed the impact of these changes and provided recommendations.

Staff spotlight – Dr Jamie O’Hare

This month, we spotlight Dr Jamie O'Hare, Managing Economist and proud new dad to baby Stirling, as he shares his professional insights and personal joys.

Distilling success for Victorian spirit exports

Client: Agriculture Victoria

The Australian craft distillery sector has grown significantly, with Victoria now having 188 distilleries. Sapere, commissioned by Agriculture Victoria, identified priority markets and developed market entry strategies for Victorian spirit exporters.

Staff spotlight – Jeremy Thorpe

Sapere welcomes Jeremy Thorpe, our new Director, recently featured in the Australian Financial Review. Kicking off our staff spotlight series, Jeremy generously shared fascinating insights into his career and background.

Unveiling the intrinsic value of nature

Explore the value of nature beyond its aesthetic appeal. Environmental valuation frameworks and techniques allow us to understand the economic value of nature and make informed decisions in environmental policy and management.

How can governments effectively assess and manage climate risk to ensure a sustainable future?

Client: Department of Treasury (Western Australia)

Sapere provided expert advice on the design of a Climate Risk Framework for the WA government, exploring options for a staged approach, and aligning with international standards for climate risk disclosure, to support Western Australia's climate resilience efforts.