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The First Five years

2007 Structure

In July 2007, the Government announced the separation of NZFSA from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, thereby creating a new public service department administering food safety.

NZFSA has retained its key aims of protecting and promoting public health and safety in relation to food and food-related products, and developing economic opportunities by facilitating access to international markets for these products.

Separating the two agencies has resulted in more effective relationships for NZFSA and an agency with a clear focus on food safety issues for New Zealanders.

NZFSA is made up of 10 business groups, under the leadership of the Chief Executive Andrew McKenzie.

The Science Group provides scientific input into NZFSA’s standards for food and food-related products, including risk assessments. The Group is a centre of scientific excellence and knowledge of food safety and suitability in both the domestic and international trade contexts. It manages contracts with external science providers and provides international representation on technical issues. Director: Steve Hathaway

The Policy Group provides policy advice and legal support for NZFSA’s review, development, reform, implementation and evaluation of legislation. It is also New Zealand’s point of contact with Codex, the international food standards setting agency. Director: Carole Inkster

The Joint Food Standards Group provides expert technical advice relating to labelling, nutrition and composition of foods and ‘whole-of-government’ comments on the work for New Zealand by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), as well as coordinating with the Science Group on research for standards development programmes. The Group also provides advice in New Zealand on the joint Food Standards Code and relevant New Zealand regulations. Director: Carole Inkster

The New Zealand Standards Group develops, implements, evaluates and reviews safety and suitability standards for production, processing, importation, transportation, storage and sale of food and food-related products in New Zealand. Director: Carol Barnao (formerly Tim Knox*)

*Tim Knox, Director of the New Zealand Standards Group, left this position at the end of our first five years. Carol Barnao has since assumed the position of Director (Standards), with responsibility for the Export Standards and New Zealand Standards Groups.

The Export Standards Group develops, implements, evaluates and reviews export standards for food and food-related products in New Zealand. It also administers the relevant export components of the Animal Products 1999 and Wine Act 2003, manages export programmes that are not covered by legislation and manages all official assurances given for New Zealand food and food-related exports. Director: Carol Barnao

The Market Access team within the Export Standards Group negotiates market access conditions and establishes certification requirements with the relevant authorities of countries importing New Zealand’s animal and plant products. This includes managing bilateral agreements, trading partner relationships and equivalency negotiations. The team provides strategic and operational input into the export standards and systems and emergencies, as they affect trade and NZFSA’s bilateral relationships. Director: Tony Zohrab

The Communications and Infrastructure Group ensures that NZFSA communicates and consults effectively with all stakeholders and meets their needs for timely, accurate and

relevant information. It also ensures that NZFSA has the appropriate human resources, information management, planning and performance systems, and other infrastructure necessary to operate efficiently and effectively. Director (and Deputy Chief Executive of NZFSA): Sandra Daly

The Finance Group makes sure that NZFSA has the appropriate financial advice to ensure its effective and efficient operation. Director: Gary Lewis

The Compliance and Investigation Group ensures that standards are enforced, provides justification for export market assurances and undertakes investigations and prosecutions where necessary. Corrective actions and sanctions are also managed. The Group complements regulatory controls undertaken by health protection units and local authorities in the domestic arena. It has also taken on the responsibility for developing and coordinating the implementation of systems and processes for response to events and emergencies. Director: Geoff Allen

The Approvals and Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Group produces and reviews standards relating to agricultural compounds, veterinary medicines and maximum residue limits. It also develops the New Zealand approvals processes under the Animal Products Act 1999, Wine Act 2003, Food Act 1981 and ACVM Act 1997. Its role includes maintaining the public registers and lists and implementing the imported food and food-related products programmes at their point of entry. Director: Debbie Morris

NZFSA Verification Agency audits the food safety programmes of food processors and provides export certification to some 1200 premises operating under the Animal Products Act 1999, many of whom export animal products. It employs veterinarians to inspect animals, ensure animal welfare protocols are followed and provides export certification for the products. NZFSA VA has a staff of over 280 (of which 200 are registered veterinarians) stationed at 80 locations throughout New Zealand, including export meat processing premises. Circuit staff cover other processing operations where there is no permanent VA presence. Director: Steve Gilbert