NZ Food Awards unveils finalists in this year’s event 

Forty-seven products developed by 39 primary food producers, food service providers and ingredient supply companies have been named as national finalists in the New Zealand Food Awards for 2015.

Entries were up 40% compared to 2014, with almost 150 products from 79 food and beverage producers vying for an award. A broad range of entrants from niche operators to large scale producers will compete to take out the top spot in a number of categories including food safety, export, convenience and gourmet, as well as the ultimate accolade of the Massey University Supreme Award.

Judges at this year’s NZ Food Awards have been impressed with the level of innovation in entries across the sector this year. Food writer Nici Wickes and Auckland restauranteur Geoff Scott say the growth and quality of entries is a testament to New Zealand’s thriving food industry.

“The word is spreading that the Food Awards provide the local industry with an excellent opportunity to see how their products measure up compared to others in the country, and to motivate and inspire excellence across the sector. The creativity, innovation, quality and taste of the products entered this year have been exceptional, says Geoff.”

The NZ Food Awards winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Auckland Town Hall on Thursday, 17 September. For more information, please visit www.foodawards.co.nz.

The NZ Food Awards are made possible thanks to Massey University and the family of strategic and supporting partners: Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED), AsureQuality, Countdown, FoodHQ, Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, Rabobank, The Foodbowl, The New Zealand Herald and Villa Maria.

Finalists here

Reminder

Industry workshop to review approaches to the Approved Code of Practice for spray drying

1 October 2015, Wellington

IChemE in New Zealand is running an industry workshop to review practices in respect of the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for prevention, detection and control of fire and explosion in New Zealand dairy industry spray drying plant.

Please note that this is an industry-led workshp and is not arranged by WorkSafe New Zealand, nor is it intended to represent their views.

The 1993 ACOP has proven an essential design document over many years and still contains useful information, particularly around preventative measures utilising the basic process control systems of industrial dryers.

However, there have been significant advances in industry practice in New Zealand and also in current international research, standards and regulations.

It is recommended that an industry working group be assembled to examine the fitness for purpose of the 1993 ACOP against international best practice and requirements under New Zealand's proposed HSE legislation. An initial workshop is proposed to define the issues and get a consensus for next steps.

IChemE will provide independent oversight to ensure an open and collaborative process where sharing of best practice is facilitated and communicated accordingly.

Date: Thursday 1 October

Time: 10:00 - 17:00

Location: WorleyParsons, level 6, City Chambers, corner of Johnston St and Featherston St (entrance adjacent to Juniper restaurant and bar), Wellington.

Housekeeping: Food and drinks will be provided by WorleyParsons

RSVP: To join the workshop please email nzmembers@icheme.org by 18 September 2015

For further information please contact Greig Wilson at greig.wilson@worleyparsons.com or tel: +64 (0) 21 656 120.

New business growth advisor at Waikato Innovation Park 

Waikato Innovation Park’s new business growth advisor, Craig Purcell brings to the role a Waikato regional flavour, years of small business consulting experience and a passion for working with innovative and resilient people.

Waikato Innovation Park’s Business Growth Services team works with eligible businesses across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty to offer free support, connections – nationally and globally – and funding for both research and building business capability.

Purcell’s previous experience includes working in project management roles in large agriculture and IT projects including leading the pilot of the electronic identification devices (ear tags) for NAIT.

He also has 15 years of experience in the various facets of Human Resources and has spent seven years running his own small business consultancy.  He spent the past four years on the judging panel of New Zealand National Fieldays’ Innovation Awards.