New Appointments to DINZ Executive Announced

1/13/2003

Deer Industry New Zealand has announced the appointment of Rob Gregory as Manager of the National Velveting Standards Body (NVSB) and Janice Attrill as Quality Systems Administrator.

Rob completed PhD studies in animal welfare at Oxford University in 2000 and after some project management work in the healthcare industry in the UK has been in New Zealand since April 2002 working with MAF, AgResearch and Massey University on a number of animal welfare projects.

The position of NVSB Manager is new and was created to provide a dedicated resource within Deer Industry New Zealand to ensure the completion of a number of key projects for the velvet removal programme in the next 24 months including:
• a proposal to MAF seeking the approval of a new compression-based technique to provide analgesia for velvet removal,
• the development of a Code of Welfare for Velvet Removal under the Animal Welfare Act ,and
• the development of a code of practice under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act to replace existing Regulations which expire in 2004.

The NVSB remains a distinct entity made up of two representatives of each of the New Zealand Deer Farmers’ Association and the New Zealand Veterinary Association.

“The creation of this new position reflects the importance placed on welfare as one of the most important issues facing the deer industry.” said Deer Industry New Zealand CEO MJ Loza.  “It is critical that our systems and practices continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of our international consumers.  With increasing scrutiny being placed on production systems it is more important than ever that we can provide credible assurances on a range of issues including food safety and animal health and welfare”.

Janice Attrill has been appointed as Quality Systems Administrator to replace Sue Lindsay who leaves Deer Industry New Zealand this week after 10 years of service to the deer industry.  Janice received a BSc. from Massey University in 1982 and has almost 20 years experience in managing Quality Management programmes in the food, healthcare, laboratory and manufacturing industries.  As well as administering the NVSB programme Janice will work with John Tacon (Quality Manager) to ensure the smooth running and continued development of the industry’s various DeerQA Quality Assurance Programmes - On-Farm, Transport Operators, Stock and Station Agents and Processors. 

Alisha Abraham started with Deer Industry New Zealand as Receptionist at the start of the year replacing Megan Burrell who left at the end of 2002.  Alisha has front-line experience in the legal, insurance and media production industries.  In addition to reception duties, Alisha will provide direct support to Producer Manager Tony Pearse.