Kiwifruit Vine Health 
announced today that Leanne Stewart has been appointed as the biosecurity organisation’s new Chief Executive. KVH Board Chairman, David Tanner says Leanne brings to the team a wealth of experience and knowledge in management of biosecurity risks, having worked in plant health for government, international and industry organisations.
“In her most recent role at Horticulture New Zealand, Leanne has been responsible for the biosecurity, food safety and regulatory portfolios and has strong collaborative relationships with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and other primary industry groups.”
“We’re excited to have Leanne join us. She will be a great asset to the kiwifruit industry and the KVH team, as we continue the important work of stopping unwanted pests and diseases impacting on our orchards, businesses, and communities.”
Leanne says she is looking forward to joining what she sees as a leading and proactive biosecurity organisation.
“KVH is at the forefront of biosecurity innovation and creative new ways of working - from research and development, to lifting awareness and best practice with growers and the wider community, to the development of the proposed new way of managing risk pathways across the industry.”
“I find that incredibly exciting, particularly because the organisation works so closely with kiwifruit growers every day and has such great support. I know that growers care about the success of the industry and want to be involved in biosecurity – that is special, and I look forward to being part of it too.”
Currently the Deputy Chief Executive at Horticulture New Zealand and General Manager Process Vegetables New Zealand, Leanne has had previous roles in MPI working in the import regulatory space and the International Plant Protection Convention in Rome, where she reviewed global implementation of the international agreement and standards.
Leanne starts at KVH on Monday 31 May. She replaces Stu Hutchings, who announced in January that he would be leaving KVH to take up the role of Biosecurity New Zealand’s Chief Biosecurity Officer.
For more information:
Kiwifruit Vine He
alth
25 Miro St - Mount Maunganui
Tauranga 3116
Tel: +64 0800 665 825
Fax: +64 07 574 7591
Email: [email protected]