Fonterra is looking at itself twice, MPI is looking into the co-op and, as part of a ministerial Inquiry someone else will look into MPI. In the meantime MPI has decided to up the ante and do more compliance checks right across the dairy industry, so has Fonterra and no doubt Westland is doing the same. There is a flurry of activity as everyone seeks to reshine tarnished images.
The challenge is time. John Key says he wants to go to China soon to tell the politicians and people what happened and why, and what’s being done to prevent a recurrence.
Interestingly the independent ministerial Inquiry has effectively been divided into two parts though the news release says three. Parts B and C are essentially technical inquiries looking at food safety systems, regulations, policy and processes, whereas it seems Part A will be a wider, more encompassing inquiry with access to the MPI compliance investigation into Fonterra. MPI says this could take three-six months – hardly a deadline, but then a time constraint could compromise the investigation.
Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye has a big issue to deal with; so far she has dealt with the matter in a professional and logical way. She has ideas about what needs doing, but has also said she has an open mind and would be receptive to any ideas that might improve the food safety regulations or processes.
She, like John Key, wants answers soon but is careful not to push too hard on timing for fear something important could be overlooked.
Undoubtedly the various inquires will again attract the vultures of the mainstream media for another feeding frenzy, but hopefully a sensible perspective will get equal prominence. On the face of it we’re seeing a genuine attempt to put things right and learn from this whopping wake-up call.
