The new group formed to manage the Psa outbreak for the kiwifruit industry is named Kiwifruit Vine Health Incorporated.

Zespri announced the formation of the group over the weekend.

New Zealand Kiwifruit Industry Advisory Council members met on Wednesday night to formally establish an incorporated society that will lead the industry management strategy for Psa.

Agreements were made regarding the structure, rules and members of the new entity.

One of the group's aims is to implement the aggressive containment strategy for Psa, negotiation of funding agreements with the New Zealand Government and Zespri and making financial assistance payments to growers.

The group will also develop and implement a long term pest management and monitoring plan for Psa and do anything else necessary to achieve containment measures.

Board of directors were confirmed at the Wednesday night meeting and comprise of representatives from Zespri, post harvest suppliers, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Kiwifruit Vine Health Incorporated board of directors:

• Peter McBride – Deputy Chairman, Zespri
• Simon Limmer – General Manager Zespri Global Supply, Zespri International Limited
• Mike Chapman – CEO, NZKGI
• Paul Jones – NZKGI Forum member
• Michael Franks – CEO, SEEKA Kiwifruit Industries Limited
• Rob Craig – Managing Director, Punchbowl Group
• David Hayes – Biosecurity Response Manager, MAF Biosecurity NZ