Just over a year on from the initial launch, KVH presented at the June meeting of the Maori Kiwifruit Grower Forum late last month.

The group advocates on behalf of growers and ensures they are well informed of key issues. Biosecurity is one such issue, and KVH Chief Executive Stu Hutchings discussed with the group the application before the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for approval to release the Samurai Wasp in the event of a Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) incursion; potential changes to regional boundaries within Recovery regions; and the importance of improving traceability of all plant and plant material within the kiwifruit industry.

KVH also took the opportunity to thank the Forum for their ongoing commitment to biosecurity activities, particularly the groups submission to the EPA in support of the Samurai Wasp application.