The following communication was sent from Vincent Arbuckle (Deputy Director-General, New Zealand Food Safety, MPI) on 13 March 2025:
As a valued stakeholder of New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS), I am pleased to share the release of two important documents, which support the ongoing success of New Zealand’s food safety system.
The New Zealand Food Safety Action Plan 2025–2027: a foundational piece of work, which outlines how NZFS will contribute to the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) mission to grow the value of the country’s food and fibre sector. The Action Plan focuses on achieving three key outcomes:
- New Zealand food is safe and suitable.
- New Zealand has a thriving food economy.
- New Zealand has a well-functioning food safety system (a newly defined outcome, which highlights NZFS’s regulatory stewardship role within New Zealand’s food safety system).
Our core services remain front and centre. Delivering services like registrations, assurance, verification services, setting and enforcing the rules and standards will continue to be strengthened through the Action Plan.
The refreshed Food Safety Good Governance Guide for Directors: designed to support boards of directors to ensure that the food grown, produced, and consumed in New Zealand is safe and suitable. The Guide practically outlines key food safety responsibilities, best practices, and elements crucial to governance roles. We hope it will be useful and support businesses to uphold the integrity and safety of our food supply.
Both documents reflect our commitment to NZFS’ vision: New Zealand food is trusted by everyone, everywhere. I encourage you to review these resources and share them with your colleagues, networks, or anyone who may find them useful.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out.
Ngā mihi,
Vincent Arbuckle
Deputy Director-General, New Zealand Food Safety
Ministry for Primary Industries – Manatū Ahu Matua
