As pollination season gets underway, KVH reminds growers and beekeepers that any movement of beehives across Cook Strait for use in kiwifruit orchards or nurseries requires prior KVH authorisation.

The Cook Strait remains an important biosecurity barrier between the North and South Islands. Because the South Island remains free of Psa-V, controls are in place to help prevent the spread of the pathogen through pollination-related activities, including the movement of beehives.

Before moving hives across Cook Strait:

• Contact KVH at least seven days before the proposed movement to obtain authorisation.

• Where hives have been used on North Island kiwifruit orchards, a minimum 10-day stand-down period is recommended at a North Island location outside kiwifruit growing regions before moving south.

• Ensure hives, pallets, machinery, vehicles, tools, equipment and footwear are free of kiwifruit plant material and debris and sanitised using a KVH-approved sanitiser.

• Contractors without a Zespri CAV must complete a Non-CAV Contractor Biosecurity Plan before entering orchards.

Growers also have a role to play by confirming where pollination hives are coming from, ensuring biosecurity requirements have been met, and reporting any unusual symptoms in their orchards to KVH immediately.

These requirements are part of the Biosecurity (National Kiwifruit Pathway Management Plan) Order 2022, with compliance helping protect the South Island and the wider industry from Psa-V. Non-compliance with plan rules may constitute an offence under the Biosecurity Act 1993.