KVH have recently reviewed the role of the KVH Regional Coordinator. The Regional Coordinator role was established in the initial response to Psa to support growers and Post-harvest companies to work collectively in managing the Psa-V risk in their region.

Since 2012 the Regional Coordinators have assisted KVH supporting the implementation and adoption of the National Pest Management Plan (NPMP). As we have gained knowledge on how to best manage the bacteria and reduce risks on orchards, growers have integrated these practices into their orchard management programme and their need for support has reduced. The overall level of Regional Coordinator activity has diminished quite significantly, especially in Recovery regions with post-harvest support present and Psa-V management is seen very much as part of the wider orchard management function. The KVH Board approved changes to the Regional Coordinator structure and policy at its September meeting and agreed to:

• Discontinue with the Regional Coordinator roles in the wider Bay of Plenty including Opotiki, Edgecumbe, KatiKati and Waihi (they have already been discontinued in Te Puke and Tauranga). The Regional Coordinator function will be retained in other regions where Psa has established more recently and/or post-harvest support may not be as present.
• Incorporate a wider biosecurity function and reduce the Psa associated activities as appropriate.
• Reduce funding to a maximum of $250 per month per region and encourage regions with reasonable fighting funds established to suspend payments until a need arises.

These changes have been reflected in an updated Regional Coordinators Policy which can be viewed here. The KVH Board and Management would like to sincerely thank the Regional Coordinators and Post-harvest operators for their valuable contribution in helping to manage Psa within their regions. The efforts provided by Regional Coordinators, their committees and Post-harvest operators has been a real asset in the fight against Psa. We look forward to continuing the excellent working relationship with Regional Coordinators in the regions where the role continues.