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=toc
ENDS