Ospri brings Bovine TB testing in-house
The move to bring bovine TB testing in-house at Ospri officially started this month, as a team of 37 skilled and experienced technicians begin work with the disease eradication agency.
OSPRI chief executive Steve Stuart is stepping down after five years in the role.
A statement from OSPRI says his decision comes on the heels of successfully delivering the OSPRI 5-year strategic plan, setting the stage for a new chief executive to work with the board to develop and execute the subsequent 5-year strategic plan.
OSPRI board chair, Paul Reynolds says that during his tenure Stuart expertly restored OSPRI’s standing as a trusted partner in the biosecurity network and strengthened its role as an integrated disease management agency.
"Stuart’s accomplishments include enhancing relationships and trust with shareholders, iwi and Māori, stakeholders and other predator management agencies, managing a significant disease outbreak and driving down the number of TB infected herds to its lowest level on record.
“He decentralised OSPRI’s operating model and built a strong organisational capability and workplace culture and led the transition of the M. bovis Programme to OSPRI under a Government Industry Agreement.
“Stuart was also instrumental in the development of technology infrastructure that will deliver tangible benefit to farmers in the future."
Reynolds says Stuart leaves OSPRI in a more resilient and strengthened position.
“He has strategically positioned the organisation for the incoming chief executive to build upon the established foundation, ensuring continued stability and growth for OSPRI.”
During the remaining period of his tenure, Stuart will work with the board to sustain the momentum and execution of OSPRI’s programmes of work and strategic commitments. Opting not to pursue another full-time role, Stuart looks forward to spending quality time with his family, here and overseas, while pursuing a range of professional and personal interests.
Stuart’s final date at OSPRI will be determined to facilitate a seamless transition for the incoming chief executive, says Reynolds.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.
A tiny organism from the arid mountains of mainland Greece is facilitating a new way of growing healthier animals on farms across New Zealand.
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