Change in audit provider

Following a review of our on-farm audit provider for the NZFAP, NZFAP Plus and ANZCO clip-on programmes, we have appointed Quality Consultants New Zealand (QCONZ) to undertake all on-farm audits going forward.

QCONZ has already been undertaking audits for NZFAP Plus since April 2023 and started NZFAP and ANZCO Foods programme audits from 1 October 2023, replacing AsureQuality (AQ). QCONZ is a privately owned Hamilton-based assurance provider with staff across New Zealand.

What does it mean?

QCONZ has started contacting suppliers to book audits for certifications expiring in November and onwards. This is to ensure there is plenty of time to close any outstanding actions before certification expires.

The audit process will always reflect the most recent programme version. As part of the transition, New Zealand Farm Assurance Incorporated (NZFAI) has reviewed how requirements within the standard are rated and as a result you may notice a slight difference to previous audits. This change ensures we can protect the integrity of the programme and maintain our high standards to protect our market access and social license to operate.

How will it affect me?

As a supplier, there is nothing that you need to do for this transition to QCONZ. Note that the assurance code will change into the NZFAI code. We will inform you when this code changes. i.e. 1000XYZ will become FA12345.

Will the process change when QCONZ is the audit provider?

No. QCONZ will contact you approximately 30 days prior to the expiry of your current certificate to arrange a time for the audit. If the time doesn’t suit, they will try to work with you to find a suitable time before your current certification expires. We recommend you prepare before the audit taking place. To help prepare for the NZFAP audit, we recommend reading the standard to familiarise yourself with the requirements. You can use the checklist provided in the programme booklet.

Make sure you have the current version of the NZFAP standard.

You can find these online at www.nzfap.com or they can be requested from our QA team:

• Standard Version 5 (October 2022)
• Handbook Version 4 (October 2022)

Information on the ANZCO Foods programmes is available from your livestock representative and/or the QA team.

What happens if I am applying for a programme for the first time?

We recommend applying through your livestock representative. Once the QA team at ANZCO Foods has received the paperwork from the livestock representative, your application will be lodged. The audit will take place 4-8 weeks after the application has been loaded. Please keep this in mind before booking in your livestock. If your livestock representative has indicated they would like this audit to happen sooner, the QA team will arrange this with QCONZ.

Who can I contact with questions or concerns regarding my farm assurance?

In the first instance we’d recommend talking to your livestock representative. Otherwise, you can contact Erika or Valerie from the QA team who’ll be able to help navigate any questions or concerns. Contact them at QAadmin@anzcofoods.com.