Grower & packhouse reminder: map & hazard information

On Wednesday 9 November, the Zespri Health and Safety team in conjunction with the MCS Team, NZKGI, and the Kiwifruit Industry Health and Safety Forum Executive, met with all Clearance Lab Service Providers to debrief the 2023 season. It was a productive and collaborative session, collectively bringing focus on health and safety improvements ahead of the upcoming season, particularly in ensuring Maturity Clearance Sampler safety. 

During the session it was noted that while orchard map quality has generally enhanced since the introduction of new standards in 2022, there is still room for improvement to ensure consistency and accuracy of hazard information. In addition to maps, a key area identified to improve sampler safety (and successful collection of samples) is the absolute necessity to have the correct Orchard Primary Contact details within the MCS and for dogs on properties to be risk assessed in the hazard section of the MCS and listed clearly in the Orchard Access Instructions.

As we now reset orchard hazard, access, and Orchard Primary Contact information within the MCS, please reference the Zespri Quality Manual Standard and map examples in our ‘Map and Hazard Information’ document available below to ensure information entered into the MCS is current and accurately reflects the on orchard health and safety risks and access requirements.

Orchard Primary Contacts are also reminded they are responsible for on-orchard safety, including the accuracy of hazard information and obligations to notify all relevant parties, especially tenants, when sampling is notified.