Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH), the organisation established to coordinate the New Zealand kiwifruit industry’s response to the recent Psa outbreak, has today appointed John Burke as its general manager.
Mr Burke, who is a kiwifruit grower, consultant, and former CEO of Te Awanui Huka Pack, was chosen for his ability to provide focussed leadership to the industry, said KVH chairman Peter McBride, in a media release from the organisation.
“Mr Burke has a comprehensive understanding of the industry and the broader biosecurity framework and we are confident that he will be able to drive this industry through the current issue and ensure a strong and viable future for all New Zealand kiwifruit growers,” added Mr McBride.
Mr Burke said he was excited to be a part of the industry’s response to the challenges that lay ahead.
“Upon stepping into this role with KVH, I’d like to recognise the excellent work that has been done to date to coordinate a fast and efficient response to the identification of Psa `Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidae`,' he added.
'The benefits of a united industry really come to the fore at a time of crisis and set the benchmark for other industry responses. I am proud to be a part of this entity and to continue the great work.'
The pan-industry organisation has been established to implement an aggressive containment strategy and develop and implement a long-term pest management and monitoring plan for Psa.
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