Pioneering horticulture scientist Dr David Steven remembered

Dr David Steven, who passed away recently in Auckland, has left a lasting legacy across New Zealand's horticulture sector through his development of integrated pest management (IPM) systems for both the kiwifruit and avocado industries. He began his career at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Research Centre in Levin before moving to the entomology division of the DSIR at the Mount Albert Research Centre in 1975.

His most significant contribution came in 1991 when he developed the KiwiGreen IPM programme at a critical moment for New Zealand kiwifruit exports. Growers had been relying on regular pesticide applications regardless of need, which was leaving unacceptably high residue levels on fruit — particularly threatening markets in Europe. KiwiGreen offered a science-based alternative that transformed how the industry managed pests.

Dr Steven turned his attention to avocados in 2002, helping to design and oversee the implementation of AvoGreen, which became mandatory for export avocado production in 2010. New Zealand Avocado chief executive Brad Siebert said the industry remained indebted to the skills and expertise Dr Steven brought to the sector. He was later made a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Horticultural Science in 2000 and received the New Zealand Science and Technology Medal from the Governor-General for his contributions to the field.

In later years he also compiled research material for an IPM manual for the persimmon industry, where he worked as research manager for several years. His work across multiple horticultural sectors helped reshape sustainable growing practices throughout Aotearoa.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).