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Pathway Plan and Protocols

Pathway Plan and Protocols

Controls have been established for all risk items (including plant material, rootstock, pollen and budwood) to reduce the spread of pests and diseases. Movement controls differ across different risk items and regions depending on risk. 

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Pathway Plan and Protocols


MANAGEMENT PLANS

The Pathway Management Plan for the kiwifruit industry came into effect 1 April 2022.

It is a framework that better manages biosecurity risk for all the kiwifruit industry, and is the first National Pathway Management Plan, demonstrating the continued biosecurity proactiveness of our industry and an important step forward in the way we manage the risk of unwanted threats.

The new Pathway Management Plan is similar to the National Psa-V Pest Management Plan (NPMP), which expired 13 May 2023 after a 10-year lifespan. The key difference is that the new Plan doesn’t focus on a single pest - such as Psa and allows us to manage a broader range of threats.

This means we can detect anything new quickly enough to stop its spread, limit impacts, and aim for eradication.

It retains important elements needed for Psa protection (e.g., controlling movements of high-risk pathways to the South Island) and also provides much wider benefits including streamlining and simplifying rules and regulations so they are more pragmatic, and giving growers and industry more value for money.

LEVIES

A grower levy funds the Pathway Management Plan. For the 2025/26 year the levy rate is 0.6 cents per tray. A copy of the Biosecurity (Kiwifruit National Pathway Management Plan - Kiwifruit Levy) Order 2022 is available here.

SEEN SOMETHING UNUSUAL?

KVH investigates reports of unusual symptoms to identify and manage any biosecurity risks.

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LATEST NEWS

20 May 2025

Larvae bedding down in Red19 canes

This month KVH followed up an interesting find by an observant orchard worker completing vine training in a developing Red19 block. They had previously noticed unusual breakages where canes appeared to have been cut or snapped. On closer inspection they found an insect larva had taken up residence in at least one of the canes. Images shared with Plant & Food Research Te Puke entomologists suggested the larva was likely that of a longhorn beetle, a potential visitor from surrounding bushland. Forwarded samples showed the larva had classical features of longhorn beetles with a pale body, fatter head, small mandibles, and legs also present though not obvious. It was unknown whether longhorn beetles had previously been associated with kiwifruit, and as the larva was unlikely to be successfully reared to adulthood the sample was forwarded to the Plant Health and Environmental Laboratory (PHEL) for identification. The specimen was confirmed as Oemona Hirta, a native longhorn beetle known as “lemon tree borer”. Actinidia chinensis was recorded as a known host for this pest, which tunnels into live wood and has a broad range of hosts including native and fruit trees. Protection of fresh pruning wounds with a sealant to close off the wound and form a physical barrier against the larva boring into the plant was suggested, with removal of pruning off-cuts also recommended to avoid infestations. Follow-up of these finds are interesting and potentially important as some species of longhorn beetles are on the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) list of most unwanted as they could cause serious damage for the forestry industry and these investigations have the potential to support surveillance.

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19 May 2025

Plant health and important biosecurity research

A researcher we network with because of her project dedicated to learning about Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death on Hawaii and its potential impact here, is representing New Zealand in an international video contest. Watch Luna from Plant & Food Research’s video and give it a thumbs up to show your support. The contest features 15 entries from around the globe and promotes the importance of plant health research through short, engaging videos. Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death is caused by two species of Ceratocystis and is having a devastating effect on native trees on Hawaii. As well as being a major threat to our own iconic natives, Ceratocystis pathogens are near the top of KVH’s Most Unwanted list as they have caused significant impact to kiwifruit production in Brazil. In fact, recent research funded by Zespri Innovation has demonstrated that it is not only these Brazilian strains we need to be worried about - other close relatives around the world, including the species affecting Hawaii, are also pathogenic to kiwifruit. Ceratocystis pathogens are a serious emerging threat. Supporting this kind of research helps build resilience and KVH is proud to support the Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death project and the important work being done in this space.

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19 May 2025

Stay biosecurity-smart when planting or replacing vines

Winter is a key time for replanting or establishing new kiwifruit blocks. Whether you're replacing old vines or developing a new area, it's vital to stay on top of biosecurity requirements - especially when moving plants between properties. Following biosecurity requirements reduces the risk of spreading pests and diseases like Psa and helps ensure a rapid, effective response if a new organism is detected. Growers must only source kiwifruit plants from nurseries that meet the National Kiwifruit Pathway Management Plan requirements. This means certification through one of the following: KVH’s Kiwifruit Plant Certification Scheme (KPCS) Plant Pass, a broad nursery certification programme for all plant types You’ll find a list of certified nurseries on the KVH website. Two levels of certification are available: Full Certification: Plants are free from Psa and other target organisms. These nurseries operate in Psa-free environments and provide plants that have tested Psa Not Detected. Restricted Certification: Plants may carry the common New Zealand strain of Psa (Psa-V) but are tested to be free from more harmful, resistant, or offshore strains. Growers can produce their own plants on the property they’ll be used on, without certification. Additionally, up to 1,000 plants per year may be moved between properties under the same ownership (KPINs). While certification isn't needed in these cases, accurate traceability records must be kept. Important reminders: Do not move any plants showing disease symptoms. Both the supplying nursery and the receiving property must maintain traceability records in case symptoms appear later and tracing is required. For further guidance or to view certified nursery lists, visit the KVH nursery web page or contact us directly.

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