Committee chairpersons reappointed

The Minister of Agriculture, Jim Anderton, has announced the reappointment of Dr Peter O'Hara as Chairman of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and Mr John R Martin as the Chairman of the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee. Both reappointments take effect on 1 November 2006 for a three year term.

National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee

Peter O'Hara's scientific training is in veterinary science and veterinary pathology. He had a lengthy and notable career with MAF, working for some years in MAF laboratories and head office. At the time of his retirement in 1998, he was Deputy Director-General of MAF. Since then he has been involved in a number of consultancy roles, mainly in research administration. He was the recipient of a 1990 Commemorative Medal.

"Chairing NAWAC has turned out to be a bigger challenge than I had first imagined but I find it very stimulating especially as I have an excellent team and excellent support from MAF," Peter says.

National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee

John Martin had a distinguished public service career spanning 35 years and a number of departments. He retired from the position of Deputy Director-General (Administrative) with the Department of Health in 1988. For a number of years after that he was heavily involved

in teaching public administration in the School of Government at Victoria University of Wellington. John chaired the New Zealand Board of ANZCCART between 1998 and 2003. He also received a 1990 Commemorative Medal.

As NAEAC Chairperson, John is also an ex officio member of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.

"The first year has been a steep learning curve," John says. "But it has been made easier by the strong support from NAEAC members and the staff of the Animal Welfare Group." John adds that he is particularly looking forward to meeting Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) members, the "front line of the regulatory system", at the AEC workshop in November.

Animal Welfare Group appointment

Kirsty Grant has been appointed to the role of Executive Coordinator in the Animal Welfare Group. She replaces Pam Edwards who, after 15 years with MAF, has resigned to pursue personal interests.

Kirsty brings hands-on experience with animals, having been Head Veterinary Nurse in a companion animal veterinary practice in Wellington. She is also a regular volunteer and kitten fosterer for the Wellington SPCA, from where one of her four cats came.

Her extensive administrative background includes four years as an executive assistant at AMP, eight years at a multi-national corporate in London and time with the New Zealand Racing Authority and Totalisator Agency Board.

Kirsty will primarily provide management and administrative support to the Director of Animal Welfare. She will also be the initial contact for the public regarding animal welfare publications, as well as liaison with SPCA National Office and Unitec regarding inspector training.

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