Seen something unusual? MAKE A REPORT
Seen something unusual? MAKE A REPORT
There are eight organisms identified as the biggest biosecurity threat to New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.
03/07/2025
We acknowledge the resilience of our Tasman growers in the face of recent severe rain and flooding. While the most significant impacts have so far been contained to a few specific areas, there has been notable water damage to assets, including essential machinery and outbuildings. Overall, vine health is expected to recover in the short term however the situation continues to evolve with more rain forecast today. Although this event has not met the criteria for a formal industry emergency response management (ERM) activation, we’re in touch with the community behind the scenes, closely monitoring the situation, and will adjust our level of response if necessary – the industry’s priority is making sure every grower is supported.
Read more03/07/2025
Friday 4 July (tomorrow): KVH Director nominations close The KVH Board is calling for nominations for a grower director for a term of three years. Dermott Malley is retiring by rotation and seeking re-election this year. Nomination forms and more here. Wednesday 21 August: The KVH AGM All are welcome. Grower voting information will be emailed soon. Special guest Mike Inglis, Northern Commissioner at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will join us to speak about recent fruit fly responses. More here. Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 July: B3 conference This year’s Better Border Biosecurity (B3) conference brings the science and research community together to celebrate 20 years of collaboration - you can register here. KVH will be attending and we’ll share what we see and hear in a future Bulletin.
Read more03/07/2025
You’re invited to join NZKGI and KVH roadshows in all growing regions to hear about our latest priorities and activities. Hosted by Chief Executives Colin Bond (NZKGI) and Leanne Stewart (KVH), these presentations will cover various aspects - NZKGI will present on their Maturity Clearance and Commercial Incentives reviews as well as their upcoming Kiwifruit Industry Performance report. There will also be updates on water and labour. Likewise, KVH will provide an overview of our current priorities including the importance of being prepared for responses by having an on-orchard biosecurity plan in place, the latest emerging biosecurity threats, recent biosecurity innovation projects and the work we’ve been doing to prepare for other emergencies that impact the kiwifruit industry, such as cyclones and volcanic eruptions. We encourage you to join us, participate, and share your thoughts and ask questions. Look out for an email from NZKGI or KVH with details of the roadshow schedule, also available to view here so you can save the date now. For any questions, feel free to contact KVH at 0800 665 825.
Read more03/07/2025
We have a new Snapshot podcast online, where we chat with Andrew here at KVH about the wild kiwifruit control programme and how the industry is proactively looking for ways to slow the spread of seed from kiwifruit orchards into the wild. Fascinating new research into seed dispersal by mammals and birds has been completed and we talk about the study’s findings, and what you can do to help manage biosecurity risk. The Snapshot podcasts are free and available now on SoundCloud and Apple iTunes.
Read more03/07/2025
Last month, KVH joined the Allegrow team to share biosecurity insights and practical advice at workshops held for growers and farmers in the Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne regions. These sessions were part of a two-year Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)-funded programme aimed at helping orchard owners and land managers better understand a wide range of regulatory requirements related to climate, water, the environment, and biosecurity. The workshops were tailored to the specific needs of the regions and KVH shared the story of the Psa response and how it led to the establishment of the organisation and then the National Psa-V Pest Management Plan. The discussion also covered how this work has since expanded to support the broader biosecurity focus of the Pathway Management Plan, which aims to protect against the full range of biosecurity threats facing our industry. This underlined the importance of industry awareness, robust on-orchard biosecurity plans, and the early reporting of anything unusual. MPI’s regionally based On Farm Support team reinforced the value of preparedness by outlining the impacts and spread of Avian Influenza and reminded attendees of the ongoing TB containment work, Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was highlighted as an example of a biosecurity threat which would impact across the whole of New Zealand. These workshops give participants the chance to better understand the risks, and rewards, of being proactive in biosecurity - growers can register here for the July Allegrow field days which focus on hands-on pest plant control. Sessions will be held in Whakatane on Tuesday 15 July and Opotiki on Wednesday 16 July.
Read more03/07/2025
Image: Biosecurity round winner Aimee Barker-Gilbert (top); Contestants in the field (bottom left); KVH’s Linda Peacock and Kerry O’Neil hosting the biosecurity competition round (bottom right). This year, the eight Bay of Plenty Young Grower contestants put themselves squarely in the boots of a multi-tasking orchard manager to take on the challenge of this year’s biosecurity module. Competitors were not only quizzed on their knowledge of our industry’s most unwanted offshore risks but were also asked to show exactly how much they knew about on-orchard biosecurity risks and how to manage these. Scores were close, providing confidence that our young leaders all had a strong knowledge in this important space. Thanks to all the competitors for their energy and enthusiasm, and congratulations to our extreme multi-tasker and 2025 biosecurity module winner Aimee Barker-Gilbert from Hume Pack-N- Cool.
Read more03/07/2025
Image top: Kumara, upper row, grown without alligator weed while the lower row is kumara grown with alligator weed present. Image bottom: alligator weed and the distinctive white paper flower head on a stalk. One of the world’s most invasive plant species is threatening New Zealand’s productive landscapes - including kiwifruit orchards. Recent research led by AgResearch and supported by KVH, regional councils, and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is shedding new light on how to manage alligator weed, a persistent pest. A new publication has been created covering its impacts, eradication, mitigation and management – including tips for what to do on-orchard. Originally a problem in Northland’s kumara plantations, alligator weed has spread to the Bay of Plenty, including within kiwifruit orchards, and has also appeared across other regions of the North Island. Its spread is largely attributed to the movement of contaminated machinery and equipment. Because the plant reproduces vegetatively, even the smallest fragment can establish a new infestation, highlighting the need to clean machinery and equipment between orchards. It poses a risk to kiwifruit growers as the weed’s dense mats compete with crops for light, nutrients, and space, reducing yields and complicating orchard management. Its underground rhizomes are notoriously resistant to herbicides, making eradication difficult once established. If you see alligator weed on your orchard, contact KVH or your regional council.
Read more23/04/2025
We have a new Snapshot podcast online, where we chat with Andrew here at KVH about the wild kiwifruit control programme and how the industry is proactively looking for ways to slow the spread of seed from kiwifruit orchards into the wild. Fascinating new research into seed dispersal by mammals and birds has been completed and we talk about the study’s findings, and what you can do to help manage biosecurity risk. The Snapshot podcasts are free and available now on SoundCloud and Apple iTunes.
Read more19/06/2025
The new NZ Post Auckland Processing Centre (APC) in Wiri, Auckland, opened in March this year and was recently visited by members of the Biosecurity Business Pledge, including KVH. The development of the APC was a collaboration between NZ Post and the Ministry for Primary Industries over the last six years to make sure biosecurity practices are incorporated throughout all business activities. This partnership is an impressive demonstration of how New Zealand businesses are committed to biosecurity to protect our primary industries.
Read more19/06/2025
New Zealand has a world-class biosecurity system, thanks to a dedicated and well-connected community that includes scientists, industry and government regulatory bodies. This year’s Better Border Biosecurity (B3) conference brings the community together to celebrate 20 years of B3 science and research, and to share the latest biosecurity information in New Zealand and Australia. The biannual conference is in Wellington, 15-16 July – you can register here. KVH will be represented at the event, and we’ll share what we see and hear in a future Bulletin.
Read more19/06/2025
The site for the Ministry for Primary Industries new Plant Health and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) in Auckland is ready for construction, with the main building platform and piling now completed. Design of the new facility has also been finalised, and construction is expected to start later this year, pending Ministerial approval in August. The new PHEL will enhance capability to protect primary industries and the environment from increasing biosecurity risks. The modern, efficient laboratory will be built to PC3 biocontainment standards and designed to manage two large incursions simultaneously. New greenhouses will support export growth through improved access to post entry quarantine. The new facility will replace our existing PHEL in Tāmaki and is expected to be operational in 2029.’ KVH works closely with the PHEL team, including a workshop last year with diagnostic and surveillance experts, and most recently having some scientists from the team join us at the Punchbowl-hosted industry tour. Image: Design concept of new facility, consisting of PC1, PC2 and PC3 laboratories, a workplace building, greenhouses and a headhouse.
Read more19/06/2025
Image: The biosecurity response leadership programme recently run by MPI included Andrew McConnell from KVH. In responses, different functions/teams are recognisable by their specific-coloured bibs. In another step towards enhancing our organisational and industry capability, Andrew McConnell, National Operations and Compliance Officer at KVH, has recently completed a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)-led training programme in biosecurity response leadership. The intensive programme is designed to equip participants with leadership skills for managing biosecurity responses effectively. It brings together professionals from across the primary industries and MPI to foster collaboration, build networks, and ensure a coordinated approach to biosecurity threats. Andrew’s participation reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening industry capability and preparedness, ensuring we have trained expertise ready to go at a moment’s notice. He says this training has given me extra tools to lead with confidence – important because biosecurity responses can definitely be high-pressure situations. It was also a great opportunity to connect with peers from MPI who we are likely to work alongside in a biosecurity response. KVH invests in leadership development and training like this as part of our ongoing active contribution to a more robust and responsive biosecurity and emergency management systems that protects all kiwifruit growers.
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Ceratocystis fimbriata is a soil-borne fungal pathogen that is causing significant damage to kiwifruit orchards in Brazil.
The first reports of a wilt disease in kiwifruit in Brazil appeared in 2010. In the following years, significant vine losses occurred, with some orchards losing 20 - 40% of vines. Over the last five years, some growers have reported 50% vine loss.
There are no efficacious control options available, and once the soil is contaminated, the replanting or re-grafting of new kiwifruit is not sustainable as the new vine will become infected. This pathogen is considered a serious biosecurity threat.
Pest ranking based on the KVH risk matrix
View risk matrixKVH and Zespri are funding a number of research programmes to better understand this pathogen and reduce the likelihood and consequence of impacts to the New Zealand industry.
Read a report following a visit to Brazil to investigate Ceratocystis fimbriata.
Read about pathogenicity screening of isolates on kiwifruit cultivars.
Research proposals are currently being considered to sequence a number of Ceratocystis strains, including the kiwifruit and sweet potato strains. This will significantly advance our knowledge of the pathogen and enable primers to be developed for rapid and accurate detection.
KVH investigates reports of unusual symptoms to identify and manage any biosecurity risks.
03 Jul 2025
We acknowledge the resilience of our Tasman growers in the face of recent severe rain and flooding. While the most significant impacts have so far been contained to a few specific areas, there has been notable water damage to assets, including essential machinery and outbuildings. Overall, vine health is expected to recover in the short term however the situation continues to evolve with more rain forecast today. Although this event has not met the criteria for a formal industry emergency response management (ERM) activation, we’re in touch with the community behind the scenes, closely monitoring the situation, and will adjust our level of response if necessary – the industry’s priority is making sure every grower is supported.
Read more03 Jul 2025
Friday 4 July (tomorrow): KVH Director nominations close The KVH Board is calling for nominations for a grower director for a term of three years. Dermott Malley is retiring by rotation and seeking re-election this year. Nomination forms and more here. Wednesday 21 August: The KVH AGM All are welcome. Grower voting information will be emailed soon. Special guest Mike Inglis, Northern Commissioner at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will join us to speak about recent fruit fly responses. More here. Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 July: B3 conference This year’s Better Border Biosecurity (B3) conference brings the science and research community together to celebrate 20 years of collaboration - you can register here. KVH will be attending and we’ll share what we see and hear in a future Bulletin.
Read more03 Jul 2025
You’re invited to join NZKGI and KVH roadshows in all growing regions to hear about our latest priorities and activities. Hosted by Chief Executives Colin Bond (NZKGI) and Leanne Stewart (KVH), these presentations will cover various aspects - NZKGI will present on their Maturity Clearance and Commercial Incentives reviews as well as their upcoming Kiwifruit Industry Performance report. There will also be updates on water and labour. Likewise, KVH will provide an overview of our current priorities including the importance of being prepared for responses by having an on-orchard biosecurity plan in place, the latest emerging biosecurity threats, recent biosecurity innovation projects and the work we’ve been doing to prepare for other emergencies that impact the kiwifruit industry, such as cyclones and volcanic eruptions. We encourage you to join us, participate, and share your thoughts and ask questions. Look out for an email from NZKGI or KVH with details of the roadshow schedule, also available to view here so you can save the date now. For any questions, feel free to contact KVH at 0800 665 825.
Read more