Dr Sonia Whiteman has been appointed the Kiwifruit Supply Group (KSG) Director Representative on the KVH Board.

Sonia has been an Associate Director on the KVH Board since January 2017 and Murray Gough from KSG said her new appointment reflects her efforts over the last 10 months.

“Suppliers to Zespri, through KSG, have had a director on the Board of KVH since its inception. When the incumbent, Alister Hawkey, resigned Sonia was nominated to take his place. The change in focus at KVH, directed toward biosecurity issues, meant that KSG needed to identify a candidate who was both passionate and well versed in the subject.”

“In our view, Sonia fits the bill perfectly and we are very pleased that she has agreed to take up the Supplier seat on the KVH board.”

KVH Board Chairman Adrian Gault also welcomed the news, particularly as Sonia has demonstrated her expertise during recent biosecurity readiness planning undertaken by KVH for the industry.

“Biosecurity is a subject Sonia has been closely involved in for many years, having been in technical roles supporting growers during two big incursions – the 2006 tomato/potato psyllid incursion, followed by Psa in 2010. KVH has recently lead various workshops and scenario planning for high-risk pests and Sonia’s input to these has been invaluable. Sonia also has a good understanding of the importance of grower and wider industry awareness of biosecurity threats, a priority for KVH and the Board.”

“The KVH Board have enjoyed working with Sonia this year and we look forward to our close working relationship continuing.”