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AgVetLink April 2005 

Staff update

It’s been a busy couple of months within the Group. Firstly, congratulations to:

• Paul and Sarah Dansted, the very proud first-time parents of Hanne

• Meg Davies and husband John Moffit for the arrival of their third child, a boy, Rawrey Moffit. 

All parents doing well! 

Assessors

Sarah Lester, Technical Assessor–Plant Compounds, is back from maternity leave on a part-time basis.  It is great to have Sarah’s knowledge and skills in all aspects of application work.  

Warren Hughes will be away at a pesticides conference in the Netherlands from 15 April - 2 May.  Bruce Nalder is currently on annual leave in the Philippines and will also be returning 2 May.    

Advisors

In the Advisor area, it is with sadness that we have farewelled Rachel Green. Rachel has taken up an opportunity to work for another organisation within an area of her interest. Her last day with the ACVM Group was 15 April. We wish you well, Rachel.

Claire Truscott will take the lead role in the Advisor’s arena with the assistance of Chris Scott who has stepped up admirably to the challenge of registration work.   

Linley Thorburn will be moving into a new position, Technical Advisor (ACVM Compliance and Verification), from 9 May.  Linley’s current key accounts will be allocated to either Chris or Claire, and these will be advised at a later date.  Linley will provide backup support in the Advisor’s area when and if the need arises.  

Mary Alexander joined the team as Group Co-ordinator on 21 March. You will see her photo and profile at right. Mary is also being trained in some aspects of the Advisor’s role for backup support when required. 

Hine Van Leeuwen, Co-ordinator (Business Services)

“After being reared in the Wairarapa for the better part of my life, I spent three years of my adult existence in Palmerston North where I completed a Bachelor of Business Studies.  Wanting to move into the work force as a full-time employee, I decided that Wellington was the place for me so packed my bags and moved to the windy capital.   I entered the force working as a debt collector for New Zealand Post until one and a half years later I was offered my current position within NZFSA.  I began working with the joint support team in January as the Co-ordinator (Business Services). I was welcomed into the ACVM squad with keen enthusiasm, and my transition into the Group has been made easy because I am working with friendly and supportive people.  I have thoroughly enjoyed these past few months and am excited about the future.”

Mary Alexander, Group Co-ordinator

“After growing up on a vineyard in the Wairarapa, I moved to Wellington to begin my many years in the workforce. I was a courier with Pace Couriers for the majority of my working years to date, but had a year’s break in the United States where I worked on an animal sanctuary in New Mexico. This involved the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of abused or homeless animals. I have a great passion for outdoor sports, mainly soccer and softball, with the occasional recreational cycling. I also spend a lot of time writing screen plays as I have an avid interest in film. Most of you will probably remember Deborah Alexander who used to work for the ACVM Group.  She was referred to by all as ‘Mother’, and it just so happens she is my real mother!  I look forward to working with you all.”