Chinese authorities say the company which markets New Zealand kiwifruit to the world has taken part in a $10 million smuggling rort. Zespri says it was assured the scheme was legal.

Allegations of multimillion-dollar fraud surrounding top export earner Zespri have spread to one of their most senior executives.

A Chinese subsidiary of kiwifruit exporter Zespri has been found guilty of smuggling and faces having to pay nearly $11 million in fines and reparations.

Kiwifruit growers are hoping the vine-killing disease Psa will soon be declared an "adverse event".

Zespri International, which controls exports of New Zealand kiwifruit, almost tripled annual profit.