NZDA Appoints New National Executive Officer

The New Zealand Dietetic Association (NZDA) has appointed Mandy Wynne as their National Executive Officer; this is a new full-time appointment, which will ensure easier access to the Association. Mandy's responsibilities will include providing independent comment on current nutrition issues and information on NZDA activities to Government, key stakeholders and to the media. This appointment has been made in response to a need identified by members of NZDA for an increased level of advocacy on health and nutrition issues.

Jane Dodd, president of NZDA says; "There is so much happening in the area of food and nutrition, and until now the Association has not had the resource to participate in these issues as effectively as we wanted to. As the independent and credible voice of nutrition we knew there was a need to do this."

Mandy Wynne says; "I am delighted to be taking on this new role. I have a particular interest in public health nutrition and the communication of nutrition messages and am looking forward to working for the NZDA, who are a key source of authoritative information on food and nutrition within New Zealand."

Originally from the UK, Mandy's previous experience includes working for the British Nutrition Foundation in London, where she regularly provided information on nutrition and health issues to TV, radio and print media. She has had numerous articles published on nutrition-related topics, and has a particular interest in obesity and weight control, having edited the British Nutrition Foundation book 'Obesity'. Mandy also has significant experience in working for the food industry, both in the UK and in New Zealand.

NZDA also has a network of dietitians around the country who are experienced in media communications. Further information on local contacts can be found on the NZDA website Media Centre section on www.dietitians.org.nz . This website, launched last year, will also be regularly updated with NZDA position statements and media releases.

ENDS

For further information contact: Mandy Wynne, National Executive Officer of the New Zealand Dietetic Association; Telephone 04 383 9986; mobile 025 216 982, fax 04 383 9828 or email nzda@paradise.net.nz

The New Zealand Dietetic Association, founded in 1943, is the professional Association for registered dietitians in New Zealand. The Dietitians Board, who set strict criteria for levels of competency, awards registration in New Zealand. Members of NZDA work within a professional code of ethics.

The NZDA website contains all the latest information from NZDA, including recent publications and media releases, details of professional development activities, guidance on how to become a dietitian, and membership criteria for joining NZDA. The website address is www.dietitians.org.nz

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