Seeka Kiwifruit Industries has taken the position of second plaintiff representing the post-harvest class in the Kiwifruit Claim filed today in the High Court, Wellington.
The claim seeks damages from the Attorney-General, representing the Ministry of Primary Affairs (MPI), for financial losses suffered because of alleged negligence over the Psa-V incursion.
Strathboss Kiwifruit Limited is the first plaintiff, representing growers taking part in the class action, which is being supported by LPF, a litigation funder.
In addition to representing the post-harvest class, Seeka has also joined this action as New Zealand's biggest kiwifruit grower, it said in a statement released this afternoon.
Seeka chief executive Michael Franks said the company's independent legal opinion supports the view that a strong case can be made confirming that MPI, formerly the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, was negligent and failed in its duty of care. The Psa-V incursion has cost Seeka in excess of $45 million.