Director's Update

What a busy and rewarding couple of months it has been!

One of the highlights was attending my first NZFSSRC/NZIFST Conference in July. Alongside an excellent programme of food safety presentations, it was inspiring to see the breadth of topics being explored across the food sector and the diverse range of professionals contributing to the conversation. The conference also provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate excellence within our community at the Awards Dinner, including recognition of NZFSSRC's own Professor Tim Harwood for his significant contribution to the food science sector.

Another recent highlight was participating in our inaugural Food Safety Culture Champions event in Auckland. Our experts brought together an enthusiastic group of food quality and safety leaders from across a variety of sectors, creating a vibrant environment for learning, discussion and connection. The energy in the room was outstanding, and I am excited to see this new Community of Practice grow into a trusted forum where members can continue to share experiences, ideas and practical solutions.

I've also greatly appreciated the opportunities to get out and visit some of our members. My sincere thanks to the Poultry Industry Association New Zealand (PIANZ) and OxyEnergy for hosting tours of their facilities. Seeing food safety systems operating in real-world environments provides invaluable insight and helps strengthen the connections between research and practice. Closer to home, I was also fortunate to enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Whittaker's chocolate factory, a memorable reminder of the innovation and excellence that exists within New Zealand's food industry.

As you'll see throughout this newsletter, there is plenty happening across the Centre. From celebrating achievements and recognising impact to showcasing our researchers and upcoming opportunities to connect, I hope you enjoy this update and thank you for your continued support of NZFSSRC.

Published on: 25 August 2026