Seen something unusual? MAKE A REPORT
Seen something unusual? MAKE A REPORT
16/07/2026
📌There’s still time to register for the KVH Biosecurity Symposium on 5 August, bringing together biosecurity experts, researchers and industry leaders from New Zealand and Australia to explore latest threats, innovations, and preparedness measures. Save your spot now and go in the draw to win a prize on the day! 📌Growers are also encouraged to join us at the KVH Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 20 August. AGM packs and online voting information will be emailed during the last week of July.
Read more16/07/2026
KVH’s consultation on the proposed biosecurity levy increase continues, with growers across the regions taking the opportunity to learn more, ask questions and share their views. Recent meetings have been held in Pukekohe, Waikato, Te Puke, and Gisborne, with constructive discussions focusing on how rebuilding KVH’s biosecurity reserves is essential after five biosecurity responses in the last two years and what it means for growers. See the upcoming meeting schedule here and look out for reminder emails from KVH direct to your inbox. (Unfortunately, our meeting in Motueka last week was affected by weather conditions and cancelled flights, and this has now been rescheduled for Tuesday 11 August). Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the proposal so far.
Read more16/07/2026
KVH is reviewing the National Kiwifruit Pathway Management Plan (Pathway Plan) to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose for managing biosecurity risks across the kiwifruit industry. The review will help identify what's working well, where improvements can be made, and which areas should be prioritised for the future. We are seeking feedback from growers, orchard managers, contractors, nursery operators, post-harvest representatives, consultants, and others involved in the kiwifruit industry. The survey takes around five minutes to complete, and everyone who participates can enter a prize draw to win one of two $100 Prezzy cards. Contact details collected for the draw will be kept separate from survey responses and used only for administering the prize draw. Have your say here, by Friday 31 July.
Read more16/07/2026
KVH has produced a new sampling video to help growers and technical staff confidently collect high-quality samples when unusual symptoms are found in the orchard. The video walks viewers through KVH’s simple three-step process and explains what to do before, during and after sampling. It covers the most common sample types, including wood, root, soil, and nursery plant samples, and provides practical tips to avoid contamination and ensure samples are suitable for testing. Correct sampling is an important part of biosecurity and disease investigation. A well-collected sample can help laboratories identify potential pests or diseases more quickly and accurately, supporting faster decision-making and reducing the risk of unnecessary delays. The video also reinforces the importance of contacting KVH first, recording key orchard information, maintaining tool hygiene, and safely packaging and sending samples for testing. Whether it’s a suspected case of Psa or an unusual symptom that could indicate something new, the video provides clear, practical guidance to help ensure the right material reaches the lab the first time. By improving sample quality and consistency, growers can play an important role in supporting early detection and protecting the biosecurity health of the industry. Watch the new video and access supporting sampling resources on the KVH website. If you notice anything unusual, remember to report it to KVH and seek advice before collecting samples.
Read more06/07/2026
Unfortunately, due to challenging weather conditions and cancelled flights the evening of Monday 6 July our team is unable to make it to Nelson as planned and as a result, we need to cancel the KVH presentation scheduled for Tuesday 7 July in Motueka. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We’ll reschedule the meeting as soon as possible and keep our South Island growers updated with new arrangements. If you have any questions or feedback about our levy proposal in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to visit our proposal web page and get in touch.
Read more02/07/2026
The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is a serious threat to New Zealand’s crops if it ever establishes here. This project carried out a national baseline survey to identify the stink bug egg parasitoid species already present in New Zealand. The survey gave us a better picture of which species are present and how they might help control BMSB in the future. These insights will support efforts to eradicate or manage BMSB if it ever arrives in New Zealand. This work was funded through Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFFF). You can view the full report here.
Read more02/07/2026
KVH was proud to be part of both the Bay of Plenty and Nelson Young Grower of the Year competitions held recently, helping put competitors’ biosecurity knowledge and practical skills to the test. In Nelson, we partnered with Farmlands to deliver the biosecurity module – thank you to the Farmlands team for their support. Designed to reflect real orchard situations, the modules challenged contestants to think on their feet and demonstrate how they would respond to potential biosecurity threats. The high standard of competition was encouraging, with participants showing strong practical knowledge and a clear understanding of the role biosecurity plays in protecting not only the kiwifruit industry, but New Zealand’s wider horticultural sector. Congratulations to the Bay of Plenty biosecurity module winner, Danyon Robertson, and to Nelson module winner, Samual Lee. Congratulations also to William Kenna, Orchard and Innovation Lead at KWKiwi, who was named the Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year, and Amelia Marsden, Nursery Manager at Thomas Brothers Orchard in Riwaka, who claimed the Nelson title for the second consecutive year. Both will now compete against six other regional champions at the National Young Grower of the Year competition in late August, where KVH will once again be putting finalists through their paces with a biosecurity challenge. It's always encouraging to see the commitment and biosecurity awareness shown by the next generation of horticultural leaders. Events like these play an important role in developing the knowledge and skills needed to help safeguard our industries into the future. See images from the events here.
Read more02/07/2026
A reminder that nominations for a KVH grower director position are open and close at 5pm tomorrow, Friday 3 July. The position is for a three-year term on the KVH Board. Nomination forms and further information is available here. If you've been considering contributing to the governance of our industry's biosecurity programme, now is the time to put your name forward.
Read more02/07/2026
New Zealand is well prepared to respond if bird flu reaches our shores, but it is important that everyone takes steps now to be ready. One of the most noticeable signs of bird flu is the swift death of multiple birds in a group. If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to the Biosecurity New Zealand hotline on 0800 80 99 66. A specialist biosecurity investigator will assess the information and advise you further. Don’t handle or move the birds. Provide the 0800 number with as much information as you can, including precise location information; photographs and videos of sick and dead birds; how many are sick or freshly dead; and the total number of birds present. If you own birds – including chickens, ducks, show birds or pets – you can take steps now to protect them with good biosecurity and hygiene practices. Full advice for bird owners is available on the dedicated bird flu website here.
Read more02/07/2026
There’s just one month until the KVH Biosecurity Symposium, taking place Wednesday 5 – Thursday 6 August at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. If you haven’t secured your place yet, now’s the time. This year’s programme brings together leading biosecurity thinkers and doers from New Zealand and Australia to explore the threats, opportunities and innovations shaping biosecurity now and into the future, helping ensure we stay ahead of the invasion curve. With real-world response experiences, practical insights, and plenty of opportunities to connect with others passionate about protecting our industry, it promises to be two valuable days. To make it all even more worthwhile, growers who register and attend on the day, go in the draw to win one of three fantastic prizes: a biosecurity-themed cooler bag full of on-orchard biosecurity resources, tasty treats, and a $100 gift voucher. Spaces are filling quickly, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation and help ensure the kiwifruit industry stays one step ahead of the next biosecurity threat. Register now and view the full programme on the KVH website.
Read more02/07/2026
Four new research projects have been launched to support efforts to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet from New Zealand. The work will be led by scientists at the Bioeconomy Science Institute and includes modelling to identify areas in Auckland most at risk of ongoing hornet presence, helping focus surveillance and response activities. The research comes as the response continues to make encouraging progress, with 77 queens and 132 nests removed since the pest was first detected on Auckland’s North Shore last year and no confirmed sightings since early April. However, ongoing surveillance remains critical to ensure any surviving queens are detected. Other projects will assess the potential impacts of the hornet beyond urban areas, improve awareness among Māori communities, and develop a readiness package for the honey and pollination sectors should long-term management ever be required. For kiwifruit growers, the message remains the same: stay alert and continue reporting any suspected yellow-legged hornets or nests. Every report helps protect New Zealand’s pollinators, and horticulture industries. See more about the Biosecurity New Zealand-led response and KVH’s ongoing input on behalf of the kiwifruit industry.
Read more02/07/2026
Thank you to everyone who has joined us at the grower meetings held so far in Pukekohe, Waikato, and Te Puke to discuss KVH’s proposed biosecurity levy increase. We’ve appreciated the thoughtful questions, feedback and discussion shared to date. The proposal is for a 0.2c increase to the biosecurity levy, taking it from 0.8c to 1c per tray from the 2027/28 financial year. The Pathway Management Plan levy will remain unchanged at 0.6c per tray. Biosecurity risk continues to grow and at the same time, the cost of maintaining readiness and responding effectively has increased. The industry’s obligations under the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity (GIA) have been clearly demonstrated with five biosecurity responses in the last two years. Levy rates, however, have remained steady for several seasons and with recent response costs, that means the real level of protection through sufficient reserves is slowly eroding. To learn more, some of the resources we have available include a podcast with KVH Chief Executive Leanne Stewart and a one page fact sheet. There are plenty of opportunities to provide feedback and have your questions answered at further upcoming regional meetings – you can see the full schedule here. We encourage all growers to attend a session, hear directly from KVH, and join the conversation about what this proposal means for ongoing biosecurity protection of our industry. Your feedback is an important part of the consultation process. We encourage you to review the proposal information, ask questions, and share your views that will directly shape what is put forward for voting at the AGM.
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Chief Executive
Leanne joined the KVH team in May 2021, relocating to Tauranga from Wellington.
Prior to taking up the KVH role, Leanne was Deputy Chief Executive at Horticulture NZ and General Manager Process Vegetables New Zealand. Leanne has had previous roles in the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) working in the import regulatory space and the International Plant Protection Convention in Rome.
Leanne is experienced in management of biosecurity risks, having worked in plant health, government, international, and industry organisations. She has held responsibility for biosecurity, food safety, and regulatory portfolios, and has very strong relationships with MPI and other industry groups.
KVH investigates reports of unusual symptoms to identify and manage any biosecurity risks.
16 Jul 2026
📌There’s still time to register for the KVH Biosecurity Symposium on 5 August, bringing together biosecurity experts, researchers and industry leaders from New Zealand and Australia to explore latest threats, innovations, and preparedness measures. Save your spot now and go in the draw to win a prize on the day! 📌Growers are also encouraged to join us at the KVH Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 20 August. AGM packs and online voting information will be emailed during the last week of July.
Read more16 Jul 2026
KVH’s consultation on the proposed biosecurity levy increase continues, with growers across the regions taking the opportunity to learn more, ask questions and share their views. Recent meetings have been held in Pukekohe, Waikato, Te Puke, and Gisborne, with constructive discussions focusing on how rebuilding KVH’s biosecurity reserves is essential after five biosecurity responses in the last two years and what it means for growers. See the upcoming meeting schedule here and look out for reminder emails from KVH direct to your inbox. (Unfortunately, our meeting in Motueka last week was affected by weather conditions and cancelled flights, and this has now been rescheduled for Tuesday 11 August). Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the proposal so far.
Read more16 Jul 2026
KVH is reviewing the National Kiwifruit Pathway Management Plan (Pathway Plan) to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose for managing biosecurity risks across the kiwifruit industry. The review will help identify what's working well, where improvements can be made, and which areas should be prioritised for the future. We are seeking feedback from growers, orchard managers, contractors, nursery operators, post-harvest representatives, consultants, and others involved in the kiwifruit industry. The survey takes around five minutes to complete, and everyone who participates can enter a prize draw to win one of two $100 Prezzy cards. Contact details collected for the draw will be kept separate from survey responses and used only for administering the prize draw. Have your say here, by Friday 31 July.
Read more