Duncan Campbell
Wellington,New Zealand
Summary
Dynamic Senior Advisor with extensive experience at Biosecurity New Zealand, excelling in programme design and cross-agency coordination. Proven track record in developing national operational frameworks and delivering strategic advice. Skilled in stakeholder engagement and contract management, driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance biosecurity outcomes.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Advisor – Aquatic Pest Management
Biosecurity New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand
10.2024 - Current
- Led development of national operational activities, surveillance frameworks, eradication programmes and to support pest management.
- Designed and implemented systems, processes, and tools for surveillance, compliance, and data management, enhancing national programme delivery.
- Produced briefings, memos, and advice for Ministers, Deputy Director-General, and senior leadership, facilitating informed strategic decisions.
- Coordinated cross-agency working groups, aligning iwi, regional councils, DOC, and industry to deliver national work programmes.
- Delivered key programme outputs including process documentation, contracts, surveillance planning, and system improvements.
- Partnered with iwi across Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, and Horizons regions, supporting co-design and implementation of programme activities.
- Led continuous improvement initiatives, refining surveillance systems, compliance approaches, and operational processes.
Biosecurity Specialist – Marine & Freshwater
Otago Regional Council
Dunedin, New Zealand
03.2024 - 10.2024
- Led development of regional surveillance and monitoring plans, aligning operational delivery with regulatory and strategic requirements.
- Co-developed monitoring frameworks and operational processes to improve data quality, compliance, and reporting.
- Mentored staff while implementing surveillance systems, enhancing team capability and knowledge.
- Completed specialist training in aquatic macrophyte surveillance and weed biocontrol, strengthening expertise in aquatic ecosystem management.
- Prepared decision papers and provided advice for elected councillors, facilitating informed programme and policy decisions.
Biosecurity Officer
Otago Regional Council
Dunedin, New Zealand
01.2023 - 03.2024
- Delivered operational components of regional biosecurity programmes, enhancing surveillance, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement effectiveness.
- Developed programme frameworks and planning documents for pest plant, animal, and aquatic biosecurity, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Collaborated with teams and agencies to facilitate integrated programme delivery, strengthening cross-sector partnerships.
Marine Biosecurity Internship
Otago Regional Council
, New Zealand
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Created marine pest surveillance plan to identify high-risk pathways and establish monitoring approaches.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Marine Ecology Internship
University of Otago
, New Zealand
01.2020 - 12.2021
- Conducted experimental research on marine species to assess responses to climate stressors at Portobello Marine Laboratory.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Executed daily operational tasks with precision at the workplace.
Education
MPI Emerging Leaders Programme -
03-2026
Level 4 Bicultural Competency Certification -
Te Pūkenga
01-2025
Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Ecology
University of Otago
Dunedin, NZ11-2022
Skills
- Environmental Planning
- Ecosystem Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Monitoring Frameworks
- Programme Management
- Resource Allocation
- Interagency Collaboration
- Stakeholder management
- Iwi collaboration
- Strategic consulting
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem Solving
References
- Gavin Miller, Manager – Aquatic Pest Management, Biosecurity New Zealand (MPI)
- Sarah Irvine, Team Leader – Environmental Implementation, Otago Regional Council
Education And Professional Development
- Bachelor of Science (Honours), Ecology, University of Otago, 2022
- Level 4 Bicultural Competency Certification, Te Pūkenga, 2025
- MPI Emerging Leaders Programme, 2026
- Aspiring Leaders Programme, 2021
Earlier Experience
- Dunedin Regional Volunteer Coordinator, Our Seas Our Future, 2020, Coordinated volunteer programmes, led beach clean-ups, developed educational resources, and represented the organisation at the New Zealand International Science Festival.
- Marine Biosecurity Internship, Otago Regional Council, 2021-2022, Developed a marine pest surveillance plan, identifying high-risk pathways and monitoring approaches.
- Marine Ecology Internship, University of Otago, 2020-2021, Conducted experimental research on marine species under climate stressors at Portobello Marine Laboratory.
Accomplishments
- Biosecurity New Zealand DDG Awards 2026 (Directorate Award): Directorate recognised for partnership work with Te Arawa River Iwi Trust and Ngāti Tūwharetoa on the Corbicula programme.
Timeline
Senior Advisor – Aquatic Pest Management
Biosecurity New Zealand
10.2024 - Current
Biosecurity Specialist – Marine & Freshwater
Otago Regional Council
03.2024 - 10.2024
Biosecurity Officer
Otago Regional Council
01.2023 - 03.2024
Marine Biosecurity Internship
Otago Regional Council
01.2021 - 12.2022
Marine Ecology Internship
University of Otago
01.2020 - 12.2021
MPI Emerging Leaders Programme -
Level 4 Bicultural Competency Certification -
Te Pūkenga
Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Ecology
University of Otago