Asure appoints Experienced Manager as Acting CEO

Media RELEASE

5 MAY 2006

1. ASURE New Zealand appoints Experienced Manager as Acting CEO

ASURE’s current Chief Executive, Terry Pierson was recently approached to take up the role of Chief Executive at Verkerks Ltd. This is a significant challenge and opportunity, which he has accepted as from 19 May 2006. The Board wishes him well for this new challenge and acknowledges his significant contribution in transforming ASURE from MAF Quality Management since incorporation in 1998.

ASURE is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelvan Smith as Acting Chief Executive. Kelvan is ASURE’s National Operations Manager for the Independents/Abattoir sector. He has first hand knowledge of ASURE’s well established compliance processes and systems, and will ensure that the current high levels of service for ASURE’s customers are maintained.

Hamish Dobbie, ASURE’s Business Development Manager, will now assume acting responsibility for Kelvan’s National Operations Manager role.

2. Background on ASURE New Zealand

ASURE New Zealand Limited is a State Owned Enterprise formed in 1998 from MAF Quality Management. ASURE is a national organisation, based in Christchurch.

ASURE has developed a core competency in process control. This allows ASURE to assist its clients to establish, maintain and improve robust processes to ensure the delivery of food that is safe.

ASURE’s primary business activities are the provision of meat inspection, Biosecurity and Animal Health Board services to the New Zealand agricultural sector.

ASURE plays a key role in maintaining New Zealand’s international reputation for producing high quality, safe food – in particular, the country’s $6 billion meat and meat products export market.

ASURE is currently the sole provider of mandatory ante and post mortem meat inspection services to New Zealand’s meat processing companies at more than 80 sites. These activities must meet the requirements of complex international regulations and the Animal Products Act 1999.

ASURE employs approximately 980 staff throughout New Zealand. The majority are employed as meat inspectors at more than 80 sites. ASURE also employs approximately 100 staff as TB testers and movement control officers to undertake AHB services.

3. Background on Kelvan Smith, Acting Chief Executive

Kelvan has been ASURE’s National Operations Manager for the Independents/Abattoir sector since 2000. He holds an MBA with distinction from Massey University, was a meat inspector for 16 years, and has held various senior management positions in the public sector, including Inland Revenue, Income Support and WINZ.

ENDS

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