Janet de Beer – Food Technologist
With maths teachers for parents, I grew up thinking maths was fun! At school, I took maths, science and language subjects. But as I loathed writing anything where I was faced with a blank piece of paper and had to make something up (such as this blurb!), I followed the maths/science path. Problem solving always really appealed to me. I can still hear my mum’s voice saying “Does that answer make sense?”
I was tossing up between studying Engineering while living at home in Auckland, or a Bachelor of Technology (Food Tech) at Massey University, Palmerston North, where my sister was studying and having a great time. So, of course I chose Food Technology – There would always be jobs – Everyone has to eat!!
My passion is for solving technical challenges using strong analytical skills.
Education
Currently studying Certificate in Nutritional Therapy – The Health Sciences Academy (UK)
B Tech (Food Tech) – Massey University 1983-1986
HACCP training 1995 – Refresher – Asure Quality 2019
Internal Auditing Advanced – KPMG 1996 Refresher – Asure Quality 2018
Training & Assessing Unit Standard – Seafood Industry Training Org 2000
Low Acid Canned Foods – Massey University 1997
Effective Business Accounting -Champagne Consultants 1996
More About Me
While working part time when I had a young family …
- Enrolment Officer (Governance Role) for Howick Montessori
- Howick Primary School PTA Chair & Treasurer
- Organised Road Patrol parent support at Pigeon Mountain Primary School
- Managed the Bucklands Beach Intermediate Uniform Shop – a major fund raiser and service to the families
- Supported the Massey High School “Money for Jam” fundraiser with my technical and hands-on input
Hobbies & Interests
When not working as a Food Technologist, you can find me walking the dogs, painting with oil on canvas or putting together pieces of a family tree helped by DNA analyses.