Earlier this week, the KVH and Kiwifruit Breeding Centre (KBC) Boards visited a long-running wild kiwifruit control site in Te Puke to review progress and discuss future strategy.

The group toured a section of gully between No. 1 Road and No. 2 Road, which has been under active wild kiwifruit control for several years. The site is overseen by KVH contractor Vegetation Management, whose consistent and ongoing work has significantly reduced wild vine presence in a challenging environment.

The visit provided a valuable opportunity to acknowledge the high standard of work delivered on-site and to reflect on the importance of long‑term control. Wild kiwifruit management requires persistence, repeat follow‑up, and experienced contractors, particularly in difficult terrain where regrowth pressure remains high.

Discussions focused on the challenges of wild kiwifruit control, ongoing risks, and the need for continued surveillance to protect and maintain progress. The site clearly demonstrated that effective control is not a one‑off exercise, but a sustained effort over time.

Importantly, the visit highlighted the strength of collaboration between KVH and KBC. Both organisations share a commitment to protecting the kiwifruit industry, and seeing these efforts firsthand reinforced the value of working together to manage biosecurity risks.

KVH thanks Vegetation Management for their continued hard work and commitment, and KBC for their engagement and support. This site stands as a strong example of what can be achieved through collaboration and long‑term planning.