Fast track recognition for national programme verifiers

We've developed a fast-track process for experienced verifiers to move into national programme verification under the Food Act 2014. Find out how you can apply.

What is fast track recognition?

The fast track recognition process allows qualified agencies and people to become recognised more quickly by changing the way assessment is done.

This process makes it quicker and easier for experienced verifiers to move into national programme verification under the Food Act. It is open to councils and existing third-party agencies with 3 or more staff.

All applicants must still show they have the right knowledge and experience to do the job.

Quality management system must be in place

Agencies must have the mandatory procedures required for a quality management system (QMS) in place and be able to apply them. 

But assessment will be staggered over a period of time after recognition, rather than requiring full assessment before recognition, which is the standard assessment process.

How agencies and people can apply

Agencies that use the fast-track system will be recognised for all types of national programmes.

People can choose from these streams:

  1. National Programme Limited – Food service, retail and logistics.
  2. National Programme Limited – Horticulture.
  3. National Programme Generic – all national programme businesses.

Process for recognition

Agencies applying for fast track recognition must:

  • sign a statement (part of the application form) showing they have the mandatory procedures of a QMS in place that meet the requirements of the Food Act 2014 (regulation 110) and are able to apply them. Implementation of the QMS will be assessed at a later date
  • pay the fees (listed on the application form).

Download the agency fast track application form [PDF, 367 KB]

People applying for fast track recognition must:

  • show they have the right knowledge, experience, and qualifications to do the job. These requirements are detailed in the table on this web page
  • complete MPI's e-learning modules
  • pay the fees (listed on the application form). 

Download the persons fast track application form [PDF, 429 KB]

Conditions of recognition

Once your application has been processed, you'll be recognised with conditions that will include:

  • Agencies must pass a desktop and onsite assessment by MPI (or our delegate). This assessment will check that the QMS procedures meet Food Act 2014 requirements and have been implemented.
  • All people recognised under the fast-track process must pass a witness assessment.

Read more about witness assessments under ‘How to become recognised – person’

How to meet the conditions

  • Complete a full assessment (desktop and onsite) within 6 months of getting your fast track recognition.
  • Or complete a desktop review within 6 months and an onsite review within 12 months of your fast track recognition. Then have your full assessment by 28 February 2019.

Ongoing performance monitoring

All verifiers will receive ongoing performance monitoring. This includes spot checks, business experience surveys, and review of information leader reports. If MPI’s performance expectations or conditions of recognition are not met, MPI may revoke recognitions issued.

Qualifications needed for each stream of recognition

Recognition option Knowledge and experience
National Programme Limited – Horticulture
  • Legal knowledge – MPI e-learning modules x3
  • Verification skills – MPI e-learning modules x2
  • Approved Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) auditor
National Programme Limited – Food Service, Retail and Logistics
  • Legal knowledge – MPI e-learning modules x3
  • Verification skills – MPI e-learning modules x2
  • Technical expertise through:
    • applied HACCP knowledge (for example, NZQA unit standard 19514 or equivalent)
    • an NZQA Level 4 qualification (or higher) in science, food, public health, or similar
    • at least 2 years recent experience working in the food service, retail, and logistics sectors.
National Programme Generic
  • Legal knowledge – MPI e-learning modules x3
  • Verification skills – MPI e-learning modules x2
  • Technical expertise through:
    • applied HACCP knowledge (for example, NZQA unit standard 19514 or equivalent)
    • an NZQA Level 4 qualification (or higher) in science, food, public health, or similar
    • at least 2 years recent experience working in the food service, retail, and logistics sectors.
  • Technical knowledge in:*
    • growing and packaging of fresh fruit and vegetables
    • honey extraction and packaging
    • the manufacture of food additives
    • the manufacture of baked or processed foods.
*Or, procedures to identify staff skills and identify where and how any gaps will be filled (see agency quality management system).

Who to contact

If you have questions about the fast track recognition process, email foodact.verification@mpi.govt.nz

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