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AgVetLink April 2003

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Staff update

Rebecca Shakespeare
Advisor (Business Services)

Rebecca Shakespeare joined the joint support team in March as the Financial Advisor, to assist the ACVM Group/ Dairy and Plant Products in financial matters.

She completed the National Certificate in Business Studies and then commenced working for Massey University in their Finance Section. From there she worked for a property company as an Accounts Administrator.

Itchy feet took over after five years and she went to the UK for 'the big OE' where she continued working in the property area with the focus on credit control. Over the last two years Rebecca has completed some studies in IT, and has worked for an IT company in their customer service area.

Rebecca's interests include health and fitness, sport, movies and socialising with friends.

Melanie Pero
Co-ordinator (Operations)

Melanie was born and raised in Christchurch. She has enjoyed living in Wellington for the last nine years where she definitely supports the Hurricanes.

"I love rugby, indoor and outdoor netball, touch rugby, shopping, music and socialising. I completed my final year at college at Wellington Girls in 2000, where I also was one of 12 student councillors who partake in running the college in designated areas, mine being cultural. I am of Cook Island and European descent. Throughout my years at college I danced the 'hula' in the Cook Island group, and in my last year danced and led the group. I was also a peer support leader, netball coach, touch coach and first aider. I am currently studying towards a diploma in psychology, health and human behaviour, and next year I am taking up criminal law and women's studies. I feel privileged to be a part of the ACVM Group, and I am enjoying working here."

Andrea Mackenzie
Acting Executive Manager (Business Services)

Andrea has joined the ACVM Group/Dairy and Plant Products joint support team on a fixed term contract to cover Jodie Trubshoe's absence on maternity leave. Andrea was previously the Office Manager for Fish and Game New Zealand's Wellington regional office and was based in Palmerston North for the past eight years. In 1993 she completed her National Certificate in Business Studies and is now studying towards a Batchelor of Accountancy degree through Massey University.

Andrea's interests include aerobics, cooking, horse riding, netball, swimming, tennis and socialising.

Operational update

Over the past few months, the ACVM Group has received a large number of applications. However, most are variations or 'C' type applications for ACVM updates. These applications have kept us busy in the administrative area and, in some cases, additional applications have arisen from these because of minor variations to these products.

The ACVM Group has not received many type 'A' (new innovative ingredient and new target species never assessed before) applications. During the October-December 2002 quarter, six type 'A' applications were received. From January to the end of March 2003, two were received. This is likely due to the applicant having to make an additional application for approval to ERMA New Zealand.

A steady number of veterinary medicine research approval applications have been received.

The generic approval from ERMA NZ for Thiomersal used in vaccines has opened the door for an influx of applications under the ACVM Act.

January through March is historically slow for plant compounds, but we have received more applications than we envisaged because some of the interpretations from ERMA NZ have been defined more clearly.