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Food focus

Andrew McKenzie to step down

NZFSA’s founding Executive Director to seek new challenges

New Zealand Food Safety Authority Executive Director Andrew McKenzie has announced that he is to step down in mid-2007.Dr McKenzie, who has headed the organisation since its inception in 2002, says he is confident the authority is now well established as a credible and trusted food safety authority for New Zealand, and that the time is appropriate for him to explore specific interest areas and seek new challenges.

Dr McKenzie made the announcement to NZFSA staff and international colleagues in December, adding: “37 years in government is a lot. I’m confident that NZFSA will continue to flourish and serve government’s interests well into the future, as well as meeting the expectations of our trading partners.”

Credible and trusted

Minister for Food Safety Annette King agreed, saying: “It is critical to New Zealand’s economy that our national food safety authority is considered, both at home and by our trading partners, as a credible and trusted agency. I believe this has been largely achieved.”

Dr McKenzie, a Massey veterinary graduate, has worked in a range of roles related to the food industry and biosecurity and has spent the past five years working to position NZFSA internationally to facilitate trade and provide an effective and relevant food regulatory programme for New Zealand.

He led the establishment of NZFSA which combined the domestic food safety functions of the Ministry of Health with the role of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in primary production and export of food. The move resulted in a single, integrated agency with responsibility for all food-related legislation.

Vibrant agency

Ms King said: “Under Andrew’s leadership NZFSA has become a vibrant agency with a high level of morale and purpose. It is respected both within New Zealand and internationally for its people and their ability to formulate and deliver cutting-edge policy.

“I am confident that the NZFSA Andrew has set up will continue to serve New Zealand’s interests well into the future.”

Under Dr McKenzie’s stewardship, NZFSA has undertaken an extensive review of New Zealand’s food regulatory programme to ensure the food industry is positioned to meet the future requirements of consumers of New Zealand food, both domestically and internationally. In October last year the Domestic Food Review proposals were accepted unopposed by Government.

Dr McKenzie acknowledged that Government’s approval of NZFSA’s recommendations regarding the Domestic Food Review has been a highlight of his career. “I believe this will give New Zealand a world-class system that will serve us well,” he said.

World class

Ms King added: “To me that has been the hallmark of Andrew’s NZFSA career. He has been determined to create a world-class organisation. He will leave it in very good heart.”

However Dr McKenzie will not be leaving the international food safety arena completely. “There is plenty in front of me and I’m hoping to continue to make a contribution in some way,” he said. He also hopes to devote more time to his hobbies which include golf, fishing and sailing.