Yesterday KVH presented the importance of NZ biosecurity to more than 170 high school students at ‘Cultivate Your Career’ – an event that ran concurrently with the Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower competition at Mills Reef Winery.

High school students from the Bay of Plenty and Waikato learned about New Zealand’s biosecurity history, the importance of protecting New Zealand’s unique environment and the potential impact of unwanted pests and diseases on both horticulture production and the environment.

They were also introduced to the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) including what it looks like, how it can get here, its potential impacts should it arrive and establish in New Zealand and what to do if they suspect they have found one.

They were also asked to create a poster or advertisement about the BMSB with the aim of educating other school students about it. Entries close in two weeks and KVH will publish the winning entry.

Students were very engaged during the sessions, with some asking about careers in biosecurity and the horticulture industry.

Lara Harrison, KVH Communications