The Painted Apple Moth Eradication Programme (vignette version: A) 2009-50.1

On 5 May 1999, Dr Ruth Frampton learned that a new and potentially serious moth invader had been discovered in West Auckland. Over a hundred insects at all life stages could be seen. Dr Frampton had been the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF)’s Chief Forestry Officer for four months, and was already managing Dutch Elm Disease, the Gum Leaf Skeletoniser, and Subterranean Termites. She now had a new threat to assess and respond to. Moreover, a recent merger of two separate ministries had left many in forestry feeling that agriculture people were getting the best deal in structures and appointments. Dr Frampton’s appointment to Chief Forestry Officer had been regarded as inappropriate.

This is the first of four two-page vignettes prepared from the more extensive original case study published in 2006. The shorter version still offers opportunities to discuss a range of topics including leadership, crisis management, project management, and accountability.

Read more:

• part B increases the focus on issues of adaptive leadership, and of leading in the political environment, while continuing the focus on crisis management.
• part C raises issues of communication and stakeholder management, and also discusses the management of small but vocal interest groups.
• the postscript outlines lessons from the PAM programme, including “what was done well” and the shortcomings, as well as its impact on the organisation.