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The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is a serious threat to New Zealand’s crops if it ever establishes here. This project carried out a national baseline survey to identify the stink bug egg parasitoid species already present in New Zealand. The survey gave us a better picture of which species are present and how they might help control BMSB in the future. These insights will support efforts to eradicate or manage BMSB if it ever arrives in New Zealand. This work was funded through Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFFF). You can view the full report here.

KVH was proud to be part of both the Bay of Plenty and Nelson Young Grower of the Year competitions held recently, helping put competitors’ biosecurity knowledge and practical skills to the test. In Nelson, we partnered with Farmlands to deliver the biosecurity module – thank you to the Farmlands team for their support. Designed to reflect real orchard situations, the modules challenged contestants to think on their feet and demonstrate how they would respond to potential biosecurity threats. The high standard of competition was encouraging, with participants showing strong practical knowledge and a clear understanding of the role biosecurity plays in protecting not only the kiwifruit industry, but New Zealand’s wider horticultural sector. Congratulations to the Bay of Plenty biosecurity module winner, Danyon Robertson, and to Nelson module winner, Samual Lee. Congratulations also to William Kenna, Orchard and Innovation Lead at KWKiwi, who was named the Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year, and Amelia Marsden, Nursery Manager at Thomas Brothers Orchard in Riwaka, who claimed the Nelson title for the second consecutive year. Both will now compete against six other regional champions at the National Young Grower of the Year competition in late August, where KVH will once again be putting finalists through their paces with a biosecurity challenge. It's always encouraging to see the commitment and biosecurity awareness shown by the next generation of horticultural leaders. Events like these play an important role in developing the knowledge and skills needed to help safeguard our industries into the future. See images from the events here.

A reminder that nominations for a KVH grower director position are open and close at 5pm tomorrow, Friday 3 July. The position is for a three-year term on the KVH Board. Nomination forms and further information is available here. If you've been considering contributing to the governance of our industry's biosecurity programme, now is the time to put your name forward.

New Zealand is well prepared to respond if bird flu reaches our shores, but it is important that everyone takes steps now to be ready. One of the most noticeable signs of bird flu is the swift death of multiple birds in a group. If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to the Biosecurity New Zealand hotline on 0800 80 99 66. A specialist biosecurity investigator will assess the information and advise you further. Don’t handle or move the birds. Provide the 0800 number with as much information as you can, including precise location information; photographs and videos of sick and dead birds; how many are sick or freshly dead; and the total number of birds present. If you own birds – including chickens, ducks, show birds or pets – you can take steps now to protect them with good biosecurity and hygiene practices. Full advice for bird owners is available on the dedicated bird flu website here.

There’s just one month until the KVH Biosecurity Symposium, taking place Wednesday 5 – Thursday 6 August at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. If you haven’t secured your place yet, now’s the time. This year’s programme brings together leading biosecurity thinkers and doers from New Zealand and Australia to explore the threats, opportunities and innovations shaping biosecurity now and into the future, helping ensure we stay ahead of the invasion curve. With real-world response experiences, practical insights, and plenty of opportunities to connect with others passionate about protecting our industry, it promises to be two valuable days. To make it all even more worthwhile, growers who register and attend on the day, go in the draw to win one of three fantastic prizes: a biosecurity-themed cooler bag full of on-orchard biosecurity resources, tasty treats, and a $100 gift voucher. Spaces are filling quickly, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation and help ensure the kiwifruit industry stays one step ahead of the next biosecurity threat. Register now and view the full programme on the KVH website.

Four new research projects have been launched to support efforts to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet from New Zealand. The work will be led by scientists at the Bioeconomy Science Institute and includes modelling to identify areas in Auckland most at risk of ongoing hornet presence, helping focus surveillance and response activities. The research comes as the response continues to make encouraging progress, with 77 queens and 132 nests removed since the pest was first detected on Auckland’s North Shore last year and no confirmed sightings since early April. However, ongoing surveillance remains critical to ensure any surviving queens are detected. Other projects will assess the potential impacts of the hornet beyond urban areas, improve awareness among Māori communities, and develop a readiness package for the honey and pollination sectors should long-term management ever be required. For kiwifruit growers, the message remains the same: stay alert and continue reporting any suspected yellow-legged hornets or nests. Every report helps protect New Zealand’s pollinators, and horticulture industries. See more about the Biosecurity New Zealand-led response and KVH’s ongoing input on behalf of the kiwifruit industry.