Testimonials
I have known and worked with Mairi Stewart on numerous research and animal welfare projects from 1993 through until 2021.
Through her work with AgResearch she was contracted to research projects for Deer Industry New Zealand. Through her different roles over the years we have kept a close working relationship and have worked jointly on improving many aspects of animal welfare, particularly deer and livestock transport.
At all times Mairi has maintained a true professional approach. She is very affable and possesses the ability to relate to everyone across the board, from people on the land, to transporters and drivers, meat processing personnel through to management and senior leaders.
John Tacon, Deer Industry Consultant
Mairi is a true ‘connector’ who has the ability to bring people along on the journey, whilst breaking down complex situations into straightforward steps to solve a problem.
She has a deep understanding of the building blocks of animal welfare science and stays current with the latest thinking.
Dr Kate Littin
I have known Mairi for over 20 years, as a colleague, as a graduate research student and as an accomplished scientist in the field of animal welfare and behaviour.
As an Adjunct Professor at two Canadian universities and as a high-level research scientist at a Canadian research lab I can testify that Mairi was in the top 10% of graduate students I have had the pleasure of working with and who’s committees I have served on. Her academic achievements speak for themselves with numerous awards, a solid publication history in world class scientific journals as well as numerous research and development grants and patents awarded.
She has had frequent invitations to serve on animal welfare committees and collaborate with technology development groups, with considerable expertise in cattle and sheep industries in particular. As the president of a Canadian technology company, I can again testify that Mairi’s understanding of the technological needs of industry are sound.
One of the greatest attributes I have seen in Mairi is her ability to work with others. She is a great team player, considerate of the needs of others and a hard worker. She possesses great communication skills and her work is always professional and timely.
Dr Al Schaefer, Adjunct Professor, University of Alberta, Edmonton
President, Animal Inframetrics Inc.
I am pleased to endorse Mairi as an animal welfare scientist and consultant. Mairi has a structured thinking processes and broad experience across animal welfare. Over the years, our paths have crossed in several guises.
I first met Mairi when she was studying for her PhD and I became involved in her research projects. Mairi had strong capabilities across the scientific process from planning and initiation of novel projects to completion of reports, applying great detail to her work.
We met again when Mairi was working for Greyhound Racing New Zealand, and I was chair of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC). This was a challenging role which Mairi tackled with great energy creating a steppingstone on which the industry has built further improvements.
In Mairi’s subsequent role with MPI, we again had frequent contact as she was a science adviser to NAWAC. Working for MPI gave Mairi a deeper understanding of government policy and regulatory processes, which has been furthered by her recent role with the Racing Integrity Board.
Dr Gwyneth Verkerk