Image: The biosecurity response leadership programme recently run by MPI included Andrew McConnell from KVH. In responses, different functions/teams are recognisable by their specific-coloured bibs.

In another step towards enhancing our organisational and industry capability, Andrew McConnell, National Operations and Compliance Officer at KVH, has recently completed a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)-led training programme in biosecurity response leadership.

The intensive programme is designed to equip participants with leadership skills for managing biosecurity responses effectively. It brings together professionals from across the primary industries and MPI to foster collaboration, build networks, and ensure a coordinated approach to biosecurity threats.

Andrew’s participation reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening industry capability and preparedness, ensuring we have trained expertise ready to go at a moment’s notice.

He says this training has given me extra tools to lead with confidence – important because biosecurity responses can definitely be high-pressure situations.

It was also a great opportunity to connect with peers from MPI who we are likely to work alongside in a biosecurity response.

KVH invests in leadership development and training like this as part of our ongoing active contribution to a more robust and responsive biosecurity and emergency management systems that protects all kiwifruit growers.