Partnership approach pays off
The partnership approach was a key to Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH) winning the industry award at the 2018 New Zealand Biosecurity Awards last week, says KVH chief executive Stu Hutchings.
Hutchings joined KVH in April 2018, coming to the kiwifruit industry from the world of animal health.
He says that in his three years at the helm he has been impressed by the leadership demonstrated across the industry, able to tackle big and difficult issues while focusing on what is best for growers.
“Late last year we acknowledged the 10-year anniversary of PSA arriving in New Zealand and it was a real reminder that the united front and proactive thinking that were shown during more recent events like the Auckland fruit fly response and Mount Maunganui stink bug find have come about because of where the industry has been in the past and what growers have been through.”
“The proposed new Pathway Plan for managing biosecurity risk has been a big project and is a really positive step forward. I look forward to following its finalisation and implementation. It’s the first of its kind for horticulture in New Zealand and I’m really proud of how far growers, the industry, and KVH have come already with its development – it shows how passionate and committed people are, and I have found that incredibly exciting.”
KVH board chairman David Tanner has thanked Hutchings for his work, and commitment to a biosecurity resilient kiwifruit industry, and notes he’ll be a great asset to the industry in his new role.
“When Stu came to KVH, he immediately demonstrated his wealth of experience and knowledge in management of biosecurity risks; research and innovation; and working on a day-to-day basis with growers, alongside industry and government partners.”
He says that under Hutchings’ leadership, KVH has cemented its place as an expert biosecurity organisation, working to stop unwanted pests and diseases from making their way onto orchards and into communities and being well prepared.
“Stu has always had a genuine focus on putting growers at the centre of everything he and his team do, and while we’re sad to see him go, we’re sure this focus will continue in his new role at Biosecurity New Zealand within the Ministry for Primary Industries and we’re delighted he’ll remain a key point of contact in the Bay of Plenty.”
KVH say they will begin recruitment for a new chief executive within the next week.
