KVH Board

KVH is a non-profit, incorporated society governed by a Board of Directors which comprises representatives from key industry groups including Zespri, post-harvest operators and growers.

Simon Cook
Grower Representative and Chair

Simon joined the KVH Board in September 2016 as a Grower Director and served as Deputy Chair before being appointed as Board Chair in September 2023.

As a grower for over 20 years, and with a strong passion for the kiwifruit industry and a desire to see it succeed, Simon is not only the third generation to own his family kiwifruit orchard, but is also involved in a number of industry governance roles.

Simon is an asset to the KVH Board with his background in extensive industry research and knowledge, and key industry relationships.

Dermott Malley
Grower Representative and Deputy Chair

Dermott has been a KVH Board Director for a number of years, stepping into the role of Deputy Chair in September 2023.

Well experienced in the wider horticulture industry for many years, he has been heavily involved in importing and exporting plant material with his pip fruit orchard . Not only a long-time orchardist himself growing kiwifruit and hydroponic berries under Maungatapere Berries, Dermott is also heavily involved in several industry groups, committed to maintaining a strong biosecurity presence for the future of the kiwifruit and horticulture industries. Stepping outside of the horticulture space, he also has valuable experience in public and private governance.

Dermott brings to the KVH Board a balanced view between biosecurity and the commercial realities of running a horticulture business in New Zealand, as well as export market access and biosecurity requirements through his work in Orchard Crisp and the Australian Apple Access Group.

Craig Thompson
Zespri Representative

Joining the KVH Board as the Zespri Representative in December 2019, Craig brings with him nearly 30 years involvement in the global kiwifruit industry.

Craig is motivated by delivering top results for all stakeholders with strengths in people management and as an orchardist in kiwifruit and post-harvest skills.

Living and working in the Eastern Bay of Plenty he was Managing Director of post-harvest facility Opotiki Packing and Coolstorage (OPAC), and is also Director of DCD Orchards, Kaiaponi Farms, and Thompson’s Horticulture.

Fiona Carrick
Independent Director

Fiona joined the KVH Board in August 2021 and is Chair of the KVH Audit and Risk Committee.

With more than 10 years’ experience as a senior executive in local and global primary sector businesses, Fiona has extensive networks, deep knowledge, and a focus on enabling the sector to thrive.

Fiona is CEO of Te Waka: Waikato’s Regional Economic Development Agency. She is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand, and is passionate about the role of governance in growing and sustaining Aotearoa’s economic and social wellbeing.

She is a also a member of Te Nehenehenui Trust Group Investment Committee, she serves on the boards of Jersey NZ, STIHL Shop, Maungaharuru-Tangitū Ltd, and the Home of Cycling Charitable Trust.

Fiona holds a Master of Science (MSc) from the University of Otago and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Victoria University of Wellington.

Amy Willoughby
Supply Representative

Amy joined the KVH Board as the Supply Representative in September 2021. Outside of this she has been in the kiwifruit industry for over a decade, originally in rural banking, and now helps drive business through her Business Development Manager role for a post-harvest operator.

Amy has a private involvement in a green and gold orchard partnership and understands the issues growers face. With previous experience in finance, and her Honours Degree in Science alongside a Graduate Diploma in Rural Studies, her understanding of the industry is broad, and she values the importance of protecting the kiwifruit industry against biosecurity threats.

Liarna White
Grower Director

Involved in the horticultural sector all of her working life, Liarna joined the KVH Board in August 2023.

Graduating with a degree in Applied Science with a focus on Horticultural Science from Massey University, she has worked in orchard management, postharvest, and project management within the kiwifruit industry.

With a strategic approach, as well as a sound technical and scientific understanding, Liarna has developed a wide overview of goals and challenges that the industry faces.

Cam Clayton
Associate Director

Cam was appointed Associate Director of the KVH Board in December 2023. As the Technical and Innovation Manager at DMS, Cam brings to the KVH Board a wealth of experience working alongside growers and orchard managers to improve orchard productivity and has a rich history in kiwifruit physiology, fruit maturity and optimising harvest.

Having been a key point of contact and advice for growers and the wider industry on biosecurity topics for several years, he is great at forming easy to understand solutions to complex problems. Cam is a member of many industry groups including the Crop Protection & Market Access Technical Advisory Group and the Orchard Technology Advisory Group with Zespri Innovation.