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The role of recognised persons

Recognised persons are individuals recognised by MPI to carry out specific functions and activities on behalf of MPI under the Animal Products Act (APA) 1999. In some cases – for example, verification – a recognised person must belong to a recognised agency. Recognised persons can be recognised to perform certain functions and activities within their area of specialisation. There are 3 main types of recognised person: evaluator, verifier, and tester/sampler/analyst.

Evaluator

An evaluator is a person who is recognised under section 103 of the APA to perform an independent external assessment of the validity of a Risk Management Programme (RMP). Once an RMP is recognised as being valid, it can be recommended for registration. Evaluation is necessary for most RMPs, unless:

  • the RMP is based on a template, model, or Code of Practice (COP) approved under Section 12(3A) of the APA and
  • an exemption from evaluation has been given.

The following guidance outlines the competency requirements and recognition process for a person to become a recognised RMP evaluator involved in evaluating RMPs:

The following guidance outlines the evaluation of risk management programmes (RMPs) other than those covering dairy.

Verifier

A verifier is a person recognised under section 103 of the APA to verify operations under one or more of the following: an RMP, a Regulated Control Scheme (RCS), standards and specifications, export requirements, or overseas market access requirements (OMARs). Verifiers are sometimes referred to as auditors.

Tester / sampler / analyst

In general, individual testers, analysts, or samplers are not required to be recognised by MPI. But there may be specific requirements under the relevant regulations, specifications, or RCSs that they may need to meet with regard to qualifications, listings, and supervision.

Legal responsibilities of recognised persons

Recognised persons must comply with legal requirements under the APA. These requirements are set out in Part 8 of the Act as well as in the following Regulations and Notice:

Animal Product Regulations 2021 – NZ Legislation

Animal Product Notice: Production, Supply and Processing [PDF, 2.6 MB]

Finding recognised persons

Find recognised people in MPI's registers:

Becoming a recognised person

Recognised persons need to be capable of managing and supplying the particular functions and activities for which they are recognised. This includes being:

  • appropriately skilled to carry out specified functions and activities
  • reputable and of good character
  • impartial and independent
  • able to meet the requirements of any regulations and specifications under the APA.

Find more detailed information about requirements in this Regulation and Notice: 

Animal Product Regulations 2021 – NZ Legislation

Animal Product Notice: Production, Supply and Processing [PDF, 2.6 MB]

Applying for or renewing your recognised person status

Use the AP7 application form to apply to become a recognised person or to renew your recognised person status.

Fees and charges

In holding recognised person status, you may need to pay fees and charges for the following:

  • applying for recognised person status
  • annual renewal of recognised person status
  • assessment fee.

Fees and terms are quoted on application form AP7.

Keep up to date

It’s important to keep up with any new or revised information for recognised persons. This includes requirements, consultations, policies, and other content changes.

Food Act verifiers

There are also recognised persons who operate under the Food Act 2014.

MPI business units