Tribute to departing Exec Director of NZFSA

Institute pays tribute to departing Executive Director of NZFSA

New Zealand Institute of Environmental Health has paid tribute to Dr Andrew McKenzie following his announcement to step down as Executive Director of the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) as from 1 July 2007.

“Under the leadership of Dr McKenzie the NZFSA has established a formidable reputation as a respected regulator,” said Institute of Environmental Health executive officer Wenjia Shang.

“A recent independent performance review of NZFSA noted that from stakeholders’ feedback and formal performance reports that ‘NZFSA is an outstandingly competent regulator.’ Such comments are a testimony to Andrew’s leadership,” said Shang.

Andrew McKenzie has led the NZFSA since its establishment on 1 July 2002. He has presided over the Domestic Food Review the largest review in 30 years of the legislation that covers food for sale in New Zealand.

The Institute hopes that Dr Mckenzie’s successor delivers on his aim to ‘keep it simple’ in regard to the new food laws proposed by the NZFSA.

“As the professional body that represents those engaged in monitoring and enforcing compliance with current food safety legislation the Institute of Environmental Health wants to be sure that any new regulatory regime is workable,” said Shang.

“Dr McKenzie’s resignation is a loss but the skills and experience he has gained over 38 years in the public service will be sure to be put to good use in whatever new challenge he chooses to pursue,” said Shang.

Notes:
‘The Scott Review’ (2005) cited in State Service Commissioners, ‘Machinery of Government Review of the New Zealand Food Safety Authority. See: http://www.ssc.govt.nz/display/document.asp?docid=5401&pagetype=toc

ENDS

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