Awards for biosecurity champions

Our congratulations go to former Better Border Biosecurity (B3) Director Dr David Teulon, honoured in December by Science NZ for championing sustainable pest management and biosecurity research.

He is an entomologist and Principal Scientist at Plant & Food Research. During his 30-plus year career in science, Dr Teulon has championed sustainable pest management and biosecurity research through his efforts as a researcher and in his role as the Director of B3.

Growers will know Dr Teulon and KVH has collaborated closely with him over the years on projects – including as a member of the Zespri Innovation Biosecurity Advisory group since 2015 helping guide biosecurity research for the kiwifruit industry, and as a regular presenter at our biosecurity days.

His leadership been over a period of ever-increasing biosecurity risks and he has played a significant role in catalysing resources to support the science response to significant biosecurity threats such as Queensland Fruit Fly and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.

KVH also congratulates David Manktelow who was recognised at December’s Syngenta Growth Awards.

David is a Hawke’s Bay based horticultural scientist and was awarded in the Community and People category, thanks to his significant role in the transformation of pest and disease management systems over many years.

One of his areas of expertise is spray application techniques in fruit and vegetables, which growers will recall he has always had great passion in sharing during workshops and events over the years, as well as by assisting with production of many spray advice resources.