KEY POINTS:
Howard Moore
Executive Director, BioPacificVentures
What was your first job?
I did a degree in food technology at Massey University and had a bursary from NZ Cooperative Dairy Company while studying; so my first job was at the Te Rapa Milk Powder Factory just north of Hamilton. I was a first assistant, supervising the staff operating the plant to manufacture milk powder.
What year was that?
That was early 1974 and I earned about $6500. We had to work long hours and during the season we worked seven days on and one day off; and I got one weekend off every six weeks.
Did you enjoy it?
Yes I did. I had the choice whether to start into a technical role or to gain some manufacturing experience. The supervisory role in manufacturing gave me a better appreciation of the operations within a dairy factory.
Within two years I had a better background for then moving into a technical officer's role and was promoted to technical manager and I stayed with New Zealand Dairy group until 1981.
What was your boss like?
I was one of the few university graduates working at the factory and I suppose they were a bit apprehensive about having a graduate on the manufacturing team. You felt like someone who had been sent from head office. The production management was tolerant.
It was valuable for me to get close to the product, then you know some of the challenges for improving technology and being innovative, to enhance productivity and make new products. I also had time to study for a diploma in management.
Any advice for someone starting out?
You have to choose to work in a business you love. Even though I'm now in biotechnology, I still regard the dairy industry as my home and I follow the progress that it makes.
