Our final team member to introduce is Leanne, our Chief Executive.

We started this series late last year to share more about the roles we have, and how each of us interact with you, our readers, and growers, in our day-to-day activities. We hope you’ve gotten to know everyone a little more – please don’t hesitate to get on touch any time.

I’ve been with KVH since May 2021. I moved to Tauranga from the Wairarapa to join this incredible team.

Before joining KVH, I had a joint role as the Deputy Chief Executive at Horticulture New Zealand and the General Manager for Process Vegetables New Zealand. I’ve also had the privilege of working at the Ministry for Primary Industries and the International Plant Protection Convention in Rome.

My background is in managing biosecurity risks, with extensive experience in plant health, government, international organisations, and industry groups. I’ve held responsibilities for biosecurity, food safety, emergency management and regulatory portfolios, as well as having a strong focus on supporting women in horticulture succeed.

On any given day, you might find me visiting growers and pack-houses to see the innovative ways biosecurity risks are being managed. I also travel to different regions for roadshows and presentations, and represent you and the industry in various partnerships, like the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity (GIA), the Biosecurity Business Pledge, as well as biosecurity research partnerships.

When I’m not at work you can find me spending time with family and friends at the coast diving or fishing and enjoying delicious New Zealand wines.