Seen something unusual? MAKE A REPORT
Seen something unusual? MAKE A REPORT
22/09/2026
KVH recently attended the latest Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting for the Protecting Aotearoa from wind-dispersed pests research programme, led by the Scion group at the Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI). The programme aims to strengthen New Zealand's biosecurity system by developing tools to predict when insects and plant pathogens may arrive and spread via wind-assisted pathways. KVH is one of several industry organisations represented on the PAC, alongside members from government, research organisations, regional councils, and other primary sector groups. The PAC helps ensure the knowledge generated by the programme is translated into practical outcomes and provides guidance on research priorities, communication pathways, and end-user needs. At the recent meeting, researchers shared progress on understanding how insects and pathogens survive long-distance atmospheric transport, improving models that predict pest movement, and analysing intercepted insects to better understand where they originate. The overall aim of the programme is to develop the Aerobiological Surveillance and Prediction System (ASaP), an early warning tool designed to identify periods and locations of increased risk for wind-borne pest arrivals, helping improve surveillance of this pathway. For the kiwifruit industry, this research has the potential to improve preparedness and support more targeted surveillance for offshore pest and disease threats. As climate patterns continue to change, understanding how wind-assisted pathways influence pest movements will become increasingly important for protecting New Zealand's horticultural industries and natural environments. Visit the programme website or sign up for their biannual newsletter, Blown Away.
Read more about Protection from wind-dispersed pests23/09/2026
Trunk cankers and exudates, uneven budbreak, and leader or cane dieback are some of the reports recently brought to KVH's attention through the unusual symptoms process. Orchard visits have helped identify where trunk disease is occurring and how extensive it is. Diagnostic sampling has also helped confirm the fungal pathogens associated with some of these symptoms, supporting growers with management decisions. Not all unusual symptoms are caused solely by pathogens. Patchy or poor budbreak can also be linked to poor root health caused by waterlogging, soil compaction or insufficient water during very dry periods. Other factors such as planting too deeply, placing compost too close to vine trunks, and allowing grass and weeds to grow around trunks can also contribute to poor vine health and vine failure. Research which has identified several fungal pathogens associated with different trunk disease symptoms is available on the KVH website and Zespri Canopy. Unusual vine symptoms can be reported to KVH online or by phoning 0800 665 825. See images from recent reports
Read more about Unusual vine symptoms: not always pathogens23/09/2026
Zespri is looking for orchards with high or unusual Psa symptoms to take part in this year's Psa resistance monitoring programme. The programme helps detect changes in copper and bactericide resistance, along with any shifts in Psa strains. Suitable orchards include those with unexpected Psa outbreaks despite a good spray programme, or with severe Psa symptoms that are not responding to management. Green, Gold, or Red orchards from any region will be considered. Contact Zespri to participate
Read more about Orchards for 2026 Psa monitoring programme21/09/2026
From now through to autumn, New Zealand enters the highest-risk period for two of the kiwifruit industry’s most unwanted biosecurity threats, exotic fruit flies and brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB). The high-risk season typically runs from September through to May, when warmer temperatures, increased international trade pathways, and higher numbers of international visitors heightens the likelihood of these pests arriving in New Zealand. Exotic fruit flies remain the kiwifruit industry’s number one biosecurity threat due to the severe market access impacts they could cause. BMSB is one of the highest-priority pests for kiwifruit, capable of damaging fruit and affecting production if it were to establish here. The 2026/27 season marks 10 years of New Zealand’s BMSB programme, highlighting a decade of investment in keeping this significant pest out of the country. Key activities planned for this season include: Increased scrutiny of Italian ceramic and tile imports following detections associated with these products in Australia. More verification inspections of full containers that have undergone offshore cleaning or other approved treatment systems. Uzbekistan is expected to be reclassified as a full BMSB-risk country, with containers arriving from the country continuing to undergo verification checks. Continued awareness activities targeting international air passengers. Officers will focus on travellers arriving from the United States, Canada, and Japan, providing information on BMSB and what to do if a suspect bug is found in luggage or personal belongings. New Zealand remains free of both pests, but ongoing vigilance is critical. Keep an eye out for anything unusual on-orchard, check pest ID resources with staff and contractors, and report any suspect insects, damage, or symptoms immediately. Early detection gives us the best chance of stopping a pest before it can establish. If something doesn’t look right, don’t wait. Contact KVH or the Biosecurity New Zealand hotline 24/7 on 0800 665 825. Order pest ID resources
Read more about High-risk season is here: our most unwanted pests are on the move21/09/2026
An upcoming webinar may be of interest to growers keen to learn more about the human factors that influence biosecurity action and the role orchard biosecurity plans play in strengthening New Zealand's biosecurity system. A new Better Border Biosecurity (B3) research project is exploring how to improve biosecurity engagement across New Zealand by addressing challenges such as complacency and strengthening social licence for biosecurity initiatives. One of the project's first-year case studies focuses on the implementation of biosecurity plans on kiwifruit orchards, examining how growers understand and apply biosecurity practices in their day-to-day operations. The findings give insights into what growers are doing well and where challenges remain; how biosecurity behaviours are influenced by practical orchard realities; and opportunities to improve preparedness for future pest and disease incursions. The webinar will also share insights from case studies on community readiness planning and Māori engagement in pollination services, providing a broader view of how biosecurity is supported across sectors and communities. Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026 Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Where: Online (Microsoft Teams) RSVP: Register here
Read more about Join the conversation: importance of orchard biosecurity plans21/09/2026
The response to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet in Auckland has entered a crucial stage, with warmer spring weather increasing the risk of any surviving queens emerging from winter. Since the response began, 77 queens and 133 nests have been destroyed, and no hornets have been detected since April. Biosecurity New Zealand is now increasing surveillance, trapping, and monitoring efforts across Auckland during this high-risk period. While progress is encouraging, we continue to urge growers to remain vigilant and report any suspected yellow-legged hornets or nests immediately. More than 18,000 public reports have contributed to the response so far. The yellow-legged hornet is a significant threat to honeybees and pollinators. KVH continues to work closely with Biosecurity New Zealand and other industry groups to minimise risk to New Zealand growers and exporters and ensure all response activities are in the interests of kiwifruit growers being able to maintain access to sufficient levels of pollination services in future seasons. If eradication is successful and no further hornets are found during ongoing surveillance, New Zealand will be able to declare the pest eradicated in line with international standards. Suspected sightings can be reported to Biosecurity New Zealand online or by calling the hotline on 0800 80 99 66. Regular updates and resources are available on the KVH website, including: How to ID a hornet: poster How to look for hornets and their nests on your property: video How to make a homemade hornet trap: fact sheet
Read more about Yellow-legged hornet response enters critical spring phase21/09/2026
New Zealand’s border biosecurity systems continue to deliver strong protection against unwanted pests and diseases, with the latest monitoring results showing high levels of compliance across both international air passengers and mail. Latest figures from Biosecurity New Zealand show during 2025/26, passenger compliance reached 98.92%, exceeding the target of 98.5%. More than 11,000 passengers and crew were surveyed at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown airports, with only 119 people found carrying undeclared biosecurity risk goods. International mail also performed well, achieving a 99.73% compliance rate, comfortably above the 99% target. Of the 3,628 mail items sampled after screening, only 12 contained non-compliant risk goods, including seeds, plant, animal, and bee products. With more than 11.7 million international mail items arriving in New Zealand during the year, the latest results provide reassurance that our border biosecurity controls remain robust and effective in reducing the risk of pests and diseases entering the country. Read The Border Space article
Read more about Border biosecurity controls perform strongly09/09/2026
With spring bringing increased biosecurity risk for some of our most unwanted threats, now is the perfect time to make sure pest identification resources are close at hand. KVH's handy pest ID ring cards feature key pests and diseases of biosecurity concern to the kiwifruit industry and are ideal for orchard staff, contractors and visitors. Order your free set today and we'll send them straight out to you, helping everyone on orchard know what to look for and what to report if something unusual is found. Order now and be prepared for the season ahead.
Read more about High-risk season is here – order your pest ID ring cards now09/09/2026
A group of USA lawmakers is pushing for the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) to be officially recognised as an invasive species, highlighting the significant risk it poses to the country’s agricultural sector. The proposed legislation identifies SLF as a priority biosecurity issue and calls for increased investment in research and management to support long-term control and mitigation. The move reflects growing concern about the pest's impact on agriculture, particularly vineyards. In New York alone, the grape industry could lose more than US$14 million within the first three years of an infestation if the pest isn't effectively controlled. For New Zealand kiwifruit growers, it's a timely reminder of why SLF remains on KVH's Kiwifruit's Most Unwanted list. While it is not present here, its rapid spread and economic impacts overseas highlight the importance of keeping it out. The threat continues to grow internationally, with the first European detection recently reported in Moldova. Although the initial infestation was thought to have been eradicated, isolated populations were later found outside the original area. The increasing political attention and investment in managing SLF overseas reinforces an important biosecurity message: preventing high-risk pests from entering New Zealand is far more effective and affordable than managing them once established.
Read more about USA steps up fight against Spotted Lanternfly09/09/2026
Image: James Blair, 2026 Young Grower of the Year, during his biosecurity module at the national competition in Cromwell. This year, KVH continued its support of horticulture’s emerging leaders by becoming a silver sponsor of the Young Grower of the Year national final in Cromwell, delivering a biosecurity module at the event. Despite heavy rain on the day, the weather did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the competitors. Regional finalists put their practical skills and knowledge to the test across a broad range of horticultural topics. The KVH module challenged competitors to demonstrate their understanding of how the multiple layers of New Zealand’s biosecurity system work together to protect our primary industries. They were also tested on their ability to recognise key pests and biosecurity risks in the workplace and to apply practical biosecurity measures relevant to their own sites and industries. Hands-on activities covering tool hygiene and pest reporting added an interactive element to the module. Competitors brought plenty of energy, enthusiasm, and lateral thinking to the challenges and KVH congratulates them all on their skills, commitment, and dedication to building careers that will contribute to the future of New Zealand’s growing industries and communities. Congratulations to James Blair, an agronomist with AS Wilcox, who was named the 2026 Young Grower of the Year. Amber Davy, Quality and Field Manager for seed potato supplier Eurogrow and the Canterbury finalist, was runner-up with Amelia Marsden, Nursery Manager at Thomas Brothers Orchard and Nelson regional finalist, placing third. Finalist profiles and competition highlights can be found here.
Read more about Young growers put biosecurity skills to the test09/09/2026
Image: Biosecurity Business Pledge members touring Queenstown Airport. KVH recently attended the Biosecurity Business Pledge forum in Queenstown, joining government, businesses, community groups and individuals working together to strengthen biosecurity resilience across the region. The day began with a behind-the-scenes tour of Queenstown Airport’s biosecurity operations, including detector dogs and passenger and baggage screening. With around 17 international flights arriving daily from Australia, Queenstown is an important pathway for the movement of people and goods into New Zealand. Maintaining strong biosecurity at these entry points is critical to protecting primary industries. The group also visited areas where wilding pine control and restoration work is underway. Community and commercial efforts are helping remove invasive wilding pines across Queenstown and the Wakatipu Basin, alongside projects aimed at restoring native biodiversity. Central Government funding is also supporting work in this high priority landscape. Over lunch Stuart Anderson, Deputy Director-General at Biosecurity New Zealand, provided a behind-the-scenes insight into New Zealand's frontline biosecurity system. A panel discussion involving local airport and wine industry representatives highlighted an important message: effective biosecurity depends on everyone playing their part. Everyday movements of people, plants, animals and equipment can provide pathways for pest and disease spread, so simple actions and good systems can make a real difference.
Read more about Biosecurity in action - Queenstown lessons24/08/2026
Hot off the press at the AGM were printed copies of our new Annual Report. Please email us if you would like a copy sent to you. The booklet details our key activities and achievements over the last 12 months, a year where preparedness was put to the test, and responses were in action. Read the 2025/26 report
Read more about Annual Report available now
There are eight organisms identified as the biggest biosecurity threat to New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.
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Login to the Weather & DIsease Portal to access weather-related disease prediction tools.
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Kiwifruit growers can strengthen their biosecurity plans by using the KVH-produced resources.
Find out moreLearn about the details and preparedness KVH and the kiwifruit industry are undertaking to ensure we are ready to manage any pest or disease threat that may reach New Zealand's borders, and New Zealand's kiwifruit orchards.
Find out moreThis section helps New Zealand kiwifruit growers with all aspects of on-orchard biosecurity management, and includes information about where and how to get support if you need technical advice or pastoral care.
Find out moreControls 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 the nature and level of risk they pose.
Find out more22 Sep 2026
KVH recently attended the latest Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting for the Protecting Aotearoa from wind-dispersed pests research programme, led by the Scion group at the Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI). The programme aims to strengthen New Zealand's biosecurity system by developing tools to predict when insects and plant pathogens may arrive and spread via wind-assisted pathways. KVH is one of several industry organisations represented on the PAC, alongside members from government, research organisations, regional councils, and other primary sector groups. The PAC helps ensure the knowledge generated by the programme is translated into practical outcomes and provides guidance on research priorities, communication pathways, and end-user needs. At the recent meeting, researchers shared progress on understanding how insects and pathogens survive long-distance atmospheric transport, improving models that predict pest movement, and analysing intercepted insects to better understand where they originate. The overall aim of the programme is to develop the Aerobiological Surveillance and Prediction System (ASaP), an early warning tool designed to identify periods and locations of increased risk for wind-borne pest arrivals, helping improve surveillance of this pathway. For the kiwifruit industry, this research has the potential to improve preparedness and support more targeted surveillance for offshore pest and disease threats. As climate patterns continue to change, understanding how wind-assisted pathways influence pest movements will become increasingly important for protecting New Zealand's horticultural industries and natural environments. Visit the programme website or sign up for their biannual newsletter, Blown Away.
Read more about Protection from wind-dispersed pests23 Sep 2026
Trunk cankers and exudates, uneven budbreak, and leader or cane dieback are some of the reports recently brought to KVH's attention through the unusual symptoms process. Orchard visits have helped identify where trunk disease is occurring and how extensive it is. Diagnostic sampling has also helped confirm the fungal pathogens associated with some of these symptoms, supporting growers with management decisions. Not all unusual symptoms are caused solely by pathogens. Patchy or poor budbreak can also be linked to poor root health caused by waterlogging, soil compaction or insufficient water during very dry periods. Other factors such as planting too deeply, placing compost too close to vine trunks, and allowing grass and weeds to grow around trunks can also contribute to poor vine health and vine failure. Research which has identified several fungal pathogens associated with different trunk disease symptoms is available on the KVH website and Zespri Canopy. Unusual vine symptoms can be reported to KVH online or by phoning 0800 665 825. See images from recent reports
Read more about Unusual vine symptoms: not always pathogens23 Sep 2026
Zespri is looking for orchards with high or unusual Psa symptoms to take part in this year's Psa resistance monitoring programme. The programme helps detect changes in copper and bactericide resistance, along with any shifts in Psa strains. Suitable orchards include those with unexpected Psa outbreaks despite a good spray programme, or with severe Psa symptoms that are not responding to management. Green, Gold, or Red orchards from any region will be considered. Contact Zespri to participate
Read more about Orchards for 2026 Psa monitoring programmeKVH works closely with Zespri to deliver a range of biosecurity research and development programmes for the New Zealand kiwifruit industry.