Haere rā, and thank you, Tiffany Tompkins

Just before Christmas, OANZ farewelled our CEO, Tiffany Tompkins. Many of you will have already read Tiffany’s personal letter announcing her decision to step away, and we wanted to take a moment to publicly acknowledge her contributions, thank you, and be transparent about what this means for OANZ moving forward.

Tiffany joined OANZ just over six years ago, and in that period, OANZ has been utterly transformed. While many people, past and present, have contributed to this change, Tiffany has been right at the centre of it, driving momentum, shaping strategy, and lifting the organisation to a new level of professionalism and credibility.

Under Tiffany’s leadership, OANZ strengthened its engagement across the entire organic sector. She brought people together, built trust, and quickly developed a deep understanding of organics, the standards, the policy environment, and, most importantly, the people. As a fast learner with a sharp strategic mind, she became a powerful advocate for the sector, helping ensure organic voices were heard in spaces where it truly mattered. The organic sector in Aotearoa is stronger for her work.

It is also important to be transparent about the realities of the role. OANZ relies on membership fees to cover core operating costs, but additional funding is required to sustain a full-time CEO role. Tiffany was often in the difficult position of not only running the organisation but also securing project-based income to fund her own role. That level of pressure, over an extended period, is not sustainable.

After an exceptionally demanding year, Tiffany made the decision to step back and take time to breathe. In keeping with her commitment to OANZ, she did not simply walk away. She remained deeply involved in helping reset the course of the organisation, supporting the board to reflect honestly on what is sustainable and what needs to change to ensure OANZ has a viable future.

So, where does this leave OANZ now? For the foreseeable future, OANZ will continue to operate as a volunteer-led organisation. The board remains committed, active, and focused on protecting and advancing organic integrity, particularly at this critical time for gene technology policy and the implementation of the National Organic Standard (NOS). We are taking this period to reassess our structure, funding model, and long-term sustainability, so that, when we move forward again, we are on a financially stable footing.

This is not a step backwards. It is a pause to consolidate, reflect, and rebuild wisely.

We are deeply grateful to Tiffany for everything she has given to OANZ, for the organisation she helped shape, and for leaving us in a far stronger position than when she arrived. We wish her well wherever her future leads, and we know the skills, integrity, and care she brings to her work will benefit whatever comes next.

Thank you, Tiffany, for your leadership, your commitment, and your belief in the power of organics.