KVH partnered with others from the Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital (TMBC) initiative last week to join students from Te Puna School at their camp, which included sessions on learning more about the importance of biosecurity and protecting native bush and rivers.

Hosted at Waitawheta Camp and local sites, John Mather from KVH shared his knowledge of kiwifruit biosecurity, including the importance of reporting and dealing to invasive weeds and pests such as the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). Local students taking part in biosecurity activities and being on the lookout can provide early warning of unwanted threats that could affect kiwifruit orchards so are an important part of the biosecurity team.

Alongside KVH, the Department of Conservation shared knowledge of native plants and their traditional uses, and TMBC guided students through kauri dieback cleaning stations - the Bay of Plenty is still the only region free of the disease.