Signing on the bottom line – let NZFSSRC phase two begin!

Phase two in the life of the NZ Food Safety Science & Research Centre (NZFSSRC) began officially on 4 February 2025 with the signing of a new funding agreement between Massey University and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The NZFSSRC has been in existence for eight years under contract to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE). This contract ended on 31 December 2024.

Massey University Provost, Professor Giselle Byrnes, and Vincent Arbuckle, Deputy Director-General, NZ Food Safety (NZFS), agreed the principles on which the deal should be based.  Centre Director, Dr Libby Harrison and Board Chair, Collier Isaacs worked out the operational structure. These contracts entail a lot of exacting conditions and legal provisions; the Centre expresses its gratitude to all those involved.

Libby says, “The vision of phase two of the Centre is to ensure Aotearoa New Zealand remains a global leader in safe food production through science and innovation, enriched by mātauranga Māori. Its mission is to be a highly collaborative partnership of researchers, industry, Māori, and government. The strong support and co-funding from food industry members was important in gaining continuing government funding.”

“So, on we go, albeit with a tighter budget and a smaller Board, but committed to providing a similar level of service to, and face to face contact with, industry members.  We already have good relationships with the people we deal with at NZ Food Safety so the transition from MBIE to MPI will be smooth.”

At the signing event, Vincent remarked “how easily and well it all came together.”

For her part, Giselle said that Massey University is “very committed to food science and food-related research and teaching. In fact, food is our mainstay.”

All parties are focused on supporting the government’s mission to double food and fibre exports by value by 2034.

Back row, L to R:  Kate Kilkenny, NZFS Director Regulatory Support & Performance; Claire McDonald, NZFS Director Food Science and Risk Assessment; Libby Harrison NZFSSRC Director, Wendy Newport-Smith NZFSSRC Manager
Front row, L to R: Vincent Arbuckle; Giselle Byrnes and Collier Isaacs

Published on: 20 February 2025