Chief Executive Officer
CPA, ACA
Udit joined MilkTestNZ in 2018 and has a back ground in Chartered Accountancy , General Management and International marketing with Agrisector and Testing , Inspection and Certification organisations.
He has worked with AsureQuality growing their Laboratory business both locally and abroad and of late has spent time with Eurofins in Asia Pacific and NZ in Business Management and market development roles.
Udit is a keen outdoors enthusiast and in his spare time , you will find him cycling or trekking in the great outdoors.
Divisional Operations Manager and Technical Manager
PhD (Chemistry)
Jacob has had a long association with agriculture and farming in New Zealand. Jacob worked on agricultural issues such as fungal toxins and rye grass staggers during his time at AgResearch, Plant and Food Research, The University of Waikato and The University of Auckland. Jacob has worked for MilkTestNZ for the past 8 years and is now the Divisional Manager which oversees the Central Milk Testing Operation and the Specialty/Analytical Laboratory which is responsible for method development and sample analysis for residue testing. Jacob is also the Technical Manager at MilkTestNZ and is a member of the AOAC (with regular attendance and participation in committee discussions at AOAC meetings) as well as attending IDF (International Dairy Federation) meetings. The previous testing for 1080 and M bovis surveillances were charged under Jacob’s responsibilities for the managing and overseeing of testing.
Sales and Marketing Manager
PhD (Chemistry)
Kavitha joined MilkTestNZ in 2015. Since this time MilkTestNZ has expanded to have 100% of the bulk milk testing market as well as acquring the the M bovis testing. Before this appointment Kavitha was the Section Manager at Hill Laboratories for 4 years managing the Operations for the Residues and Food Testing Division of 35 staff. During this time Kavitha was also charged as the Key Account Manager for one of New Zealand’s top export industries as well as point of contact for sales enquiries from Japan. Prior to this Kavitha was responsible for managing the Psa PCR testing team which was a high volume fast throughput testing required in response to the Psa outbreak in New Zealand. Kavitha also has a Post-doc in epigenetics in facial eczema in sheep.
HR Manager
BASocSci, GradDipHRM
Gina joined MilkTestNZ in 2017 as our HR Manager. To date Gina has pioneered our new Human Resource Information System and our annual Leadership Awards framework. Gina has also coordinated changes to and the development of our competency models, and also developed our new Leadership Training framework among other things.
Gina has over 7 years’ experience in human development and human behaviour, predominantly within the adult mental health, addictions, and intellectual disability sector, working for both Ministry Departments and Not-For-Profit organisations. During that time, Gina worked as a Service Manager for a dual-diagnosis facility here in Hamilton before moving into the role of Intensive Services Manager covering 7 dual-diagnosis facilities across Auckland and Hamilton.
In her spare time, you will find Gina with her husband court or field-side supporting their 3 children, giving service within their community, or jet setting across Asia.
IT Manager
James joined MilkTestNZ in 2018 to bring software and systems skills to the business. With over twenty years’ experience in laboratory software, he was previously the IT Manager of Eurofins NZ from 2012, where he worked with the commercial Labware Laboratory Management System and later with Eurofins’ internally developed eLims system.
Before Eurofins, James managed AsureQuality’s software development team for over ten years, during which time he led the development of many systems, including major laboratory management systems for both AsureQuality and ESR.
In his free time, when not riding or maintaining his motorcycles, James is likely to be pursuing his interest in military history and re-fighting battles of the past with model soldiers.
Quality Health and Safety Manager
BSc
Nicole recently joined MilkTestNZ as the Quality Manager. She returned to her hometown, Hamilton, to pursue a career in science after graduating from The University of Auckland. Her career started as a Laboratory Technician before moving into the position of Laboratory Associate at a Pharmaceutical laboratory operating to GMP and ISO 9001 standards. It was here where she discovered a keen interest in Quality Management Systems. She then moved to New Zealand’s only accredited Proficiency Testing Provider, Global Proficiency, where she held several roles, including Programme Leader for the Dairy and Milk programmes, Research and Development, Operations and Leadership positions. With over ten years of experience, she is excited to take on all MilkTestNZ has to offer.
Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family (including her dog Luna), renovating her home, doing yoga, and getting outdoors.
Contact Milk Test NZ to get your lab testing sorted!
