In May last year the government announced a new direction for science investment by establishing ten ‘National Science Challenges’. The National Science Challenges are established to tackle some of the biggest science-based issues and opportunities facing New Zealand and take a more strategic approach to science investment.

One of the National Science Challenges—New Zealand’s Biosecurity Heritage—is of particular interest to the horticulture sectors as it will direct future investment in both biosecurity and biodiversity research.

MBIE have recently approved the 10-year research plan and allocated new funding of $25.8m for the first five year period.

The research undertaken in this Challenge will be designed to protect and manage New Zealand’s biodiversity, improve biosecurity and enhance the country’s resilience to harmful organisms.

A broad range of stakeholder industries, including KVH, HortNZ and New Zealand Wine Growers, were involved in the development of this challenge and preparation of the research plan. This was through representation on a focused stakeholder advisory group and stakeholder workshops.

KVH and other horticultural sectors will continue be actively engaged. KVH Chief Executive, Barry O’Neil has been appointed to the Governance Group; and KVH Biosecurity Programmes Manager, Andrew Harrison is part of the Industry Advisory Group.

• Click here for more information about the New Zealand’s Biosecurity Heritage challenge.
• Click here for more information about the National Science Challenge.