“It’s been a hard road to get to where it is and the programme at this point is in a really good shape.”
But Anderson said the job is not done yet.
“We absolutely need to keep the momentum at a good pace going forward.
“We’ve almost broken the back of the programme but there’s work to be done yet to achieve the end goal.”
Despite other factors such as drought and the challenges of covid-19, keeping everyone together and focused will be key to achieving the eradication goal.
“The programme is carrying on. We need to ensure we keep momentum. We have adapted and that does mean we have people going on-farm now only for essential service.”
New processes for on-farm sampling have been developed and it continues as do planned culls.
All legal notices, including Notices of Direction restricting cattle movements and Restricted Place Notices, remain in effect.
Where required new notices will be issued over the phone.
“We’re carrying on with the programme as an essential service.
“We’re confident where the programme is at and in the way forward that we will achieve the goal.
“Reducing the spread of disease and reducing the number of farms involved in the programme remains a priority as we all adapt to living and working while the country is under level four alert.”
With 10 years-experience at MPI the former director of fisheries management believes he has what it takes to the lead the programme through its next stage.
“I put my hand up for it because these opportunities to be a part of such an important industry programme don’t happen every day,” Anderson said.
“I have been around MPI for almost 10 years and have a number of broad experiences across the sectors.”
They include a stint with adverse events and recovery.
“I have a good grounding in that respect and senior leadership experience in big programmes keeping industry and stakeholders working together towards solutions that I can apply here.”
Ideally, the first thing I would have liked to be doing is getting out to meet farmers and regional teams.
“I will definitely be doing that as part of my process as soon as I can.
“We are hearing the new challenges under covid-19 and the uncertainty of the economy is creating added stress for affected farmers and we want to work closely with them to work through this, recognising there are other concerns as well now disrupting their operations.
“I have an open approach, I like to be collaborative and be approachable. I will listen and I will make an effort to engage.
“The most important part of my job to everyone in the programme is to ensure all people are empowered to deliver the goal of the programme and achieve the outcome of eradication.
“And I will be accountable for my decisions,” Anderson said.
