HPAI MEDIA PROTOCOLS FOR EPF MEMBERS
New Zealand media interest in the recent discovery of the highly pathogenic avian influenza
strain, H7N6, will be strong in the coming days, and possibly weeks.
They will be utilising all contacts to find different angles to the story, and what we want to
avoid is misinformation being reported.
This is a timely reminder to all members of our media protocols. In this instance, there is
only one spokesperson on HPAI in New Zealand currently, and that is the Ministry for
Primary Industries (MPI) under their Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) division.
To ensure the media get the right information from the right people at the right time about
HPAI in New Zealand, we will be led by MPI/BNZ managing media inquiries.
Any media inquiries you receive via email, text, your website, or phone call, please take note
of their name, organisation and contact details and pass them directly on to the EPF head
office. We will refer it to MPI’s communications team immediately, so the request is dealt
with promptly and accurately.
A further reminder:
- There is no such thing as ‘off the record’
- No response is better than the wrong response
- ‘Background information’ does not necessarily stay in the background
- Avoid temptation to ‘verify something’ from a third party before you can fact-check it. Please refer the journalist to PIANZ head office
Our collective focus is on managing this outbreak and eradicating it as quickly as possible
without distractions. We would appreciate your assistance in making sure the focus stays
where it is needed.
Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Michael Brooks,
Executive Director, Egg Producers Federation
+64 (09) 520 4300 (phone)
+64 27 221 8228 (mobile)
email: [email protected]
