For New Zealand kiwifruit scientist Sarah Pilkington, getting access to research material in China has been one of the highlights of her work.

"Kiwifruit originated in China, any kiwifruit that exists around the world is from China," Pilkington, referring to the fruit's germplasm, said.

"We want to help our Chinese colleagues protect what material is there and the diversity in it for the future."

The award-winning scientist leads a team who use molecular technologies to cultivate new kiwifruit varieties, or cultivars, at the Plant and Food Research group of the state Bioeconomy Science Institute in Auckland.

The institute, formed through a merger of four organizations earlier this year, combines expertise in plant and animal systems, advanced manufacturing, agritech, biotechnology, and the food, biomaterials and environmental sectors.