Long serving biosecurity leader Phil Karaitiana retires after 56 years

27 February 2026

For Phillip Karaitiana, protecting the land and communities of Te Tairāwhiti has been more than just a job. It has been a lifelong commitment.

After 56 years working in pest management and biosecurity across the region, Gisborne District Council’s Biosecurity Team Leader Phillip Karaitiana is retiring.

Over that time, his role has taken him from rabbit patrols on horseback with working dogs to modern pest control supported by new technologies and systems.

Phil joined the East Coast Pest Destruction Board in Wairoa in 1970 at just 16 years old.

With whānau already working on the rabbit board, he spent school holidays staying with his uncle and seeing first hand what the job involved.

“When we were kids growing up around Manutuke, we were chasing rats and possums anyway.”

Spending time out in the field gave Phil an early interest in pest control. His uncle later recommended him for a role with a supervisor at the time and he was offered a job as a new worker.

Back then, rabbits were the number one pest.

“If someone reported a rabbit, we had to investigate straight away.”

Much of Phil’s early work involved travelling across farms and hill country on horseback with working dogs, developing a practical understanding of the land and a strong appreciation for the communities who depended on it.

Over time, pest management in the region evolved. The focus shifted from rabbits to possums as concerns grew around the spread of bovine tuberculosis and the damage possums were causing to erosion control planting such as willows.

Later, plant pests, freshwater and marine species were brought into scope as biosecurity responsibilities expanded under the Biosecurity Act.

Throughout his career, Phil has helped guide responses to a range of regional challenges, including urban infestations such as Argentine ants.

“We were getting a lot of calls from the public about them.”

Rather than managing the issue on their own, Phil worked alongside the community to raise awareness and provide practical tools to help residents manage infestations themselves.

Treatment products were sourced and made available to the public at cost, alongside information on how to use them safely and effectively.

Over time, reports declined as more households became equipped to manage the problem locally.

For Phil, the programme showed the importance of working alongside communities to achieve better environmental outcomes.

When asked what kept him at Council for more than half a century, his answer is simple.

“The people.”

“Seeing the team in the morning, catching up over a cup of tea and working alongside landowners and the community, that is what kept me committed to the job.”

Phil is also proud of the opportunity to mentor staff, students and interns over the years, helping guide the next generation working in biosecurity.

“My role is to guide and make sure people reach their full potential.”

“I have never been one for micromanaging. People need the opportunity to develop.”

While stepping away from his day-to-day work, Phil is not planning to go far.

“I am not leaving the country.”

“I know I will probably get a phone call and I am happy to help. Just do not make it too often,” he joked.

Looking ahead, Phil is hoping to slow down a little while staying active and connected to the community he has spent a lifetime serving.

“I would like to feel productive but take things a little easier.”

“I am looking forward to spending time with whānau, getting back into the water, maybe a bit of surfing again and joining my wife for her morning swims.”

Council Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher-Swann says Phil’s legacy will be felt across the region for years to come.

“Phil has always led with respect and integrity in everything he does. He is approachable, supportive and genuinely committed to working alongside our communities to protect the land and biodiversity of Tairāwhiti.”

“His willingness to share knowledge and support others has helped build capability within our team for the future and we are grateful for the experience and leadership he has shared with us over the years.”

After 56 years serving the region, Phil leaves behind not just a body of work but strong relationships with the people and communities he has worked alongside throughout his career.

Everyone at Council wishes Phil all the very best for his well-deserved retirement. We thank him for the contribution he has made to both Council and the wider Tairāwhiti community throughout his career.