Tertia Fouché
Palmerston North,Manawatu
Summary
I am an analytical and people-centred operations professional with strengths in decision-making, problem-solving, and operational delivery across complex, high-risk environments. I bring strong capability in process mapping, process discipline, and continuous improvement, with a practical understanding of how to reduce waste, strengthen workflows, and support consistent programme outcomes. My background in disease management (Mycoplasma bovis and TB), biosecurity, and the financial sector spans case and portfolio management, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, and customer service, supported by clear communication and a strong customer voice. I write and refine SOPs and operational processes that improve clarity, quality, and team performance. I’m known for my authenticity, emotional intelligence, and integrity, bringing a calm, respectful, and values-driven approach to sensitive situations. I work collaboratively, support others, and contribute to a positive team culture. Organised and results-focused, I plan, prioritise, and deliver reliably — even in fast-moving or high-pressure environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Validation Adviser
OSPRI
11.2023 - 04.2026
- In this disease management role on the Mycoplasma bovis programme I analysed cattle movements of interest, validated data, and applied structured risk assessment and decision making to determine possible disease risk on farm. I engaged with farmers and gathered farm and animal details. Where diagnostic sampling of cattle was required, I raised sampling requirements according to specifications and liaised with veterinarians to facilitate timely and accurate sampling. I managed a portfolio of cases and ensured effective programme operational delivery and farmer focused service.
- OSPRI delivers national disease management programmes (M. bovis, TBfree, NAIT) through surveillance, traceability, and rural engagement.
- Key Responsibilities
- Analysed cattle movements using NAIT and other systems to identify disease risks and inform case decisions.
- Applied structured risk assessment using epidemiology reports and programme criteria to ensure accurate on-farm risk coverage.
- Engaged with farmers to gather information, explain programme requirements, and support decision-making.
- Stakeholder engagement.
- Managed sensitive, high-stress conversations with empathy and professionalism, balancing farmer welfare with programme delivery.
- Demonstrated strong emotional intelligence and de-escalation skills in complex or challenging interactions.
- Raised sampling requirements and coordinated diagnostic testing with veterinarians, contractors, epidemiologists, and AsureQuality.
- Prepared legal documents for sampling under movement restrictions and ensured compliance with programme specifications.
- Maintained accurate farm boundaries in AgriBase, GIS, and Farms Online to support legal notices and operational accuracy.
- Collaborated across programmes, applying M. bovis expertise to TBfree to minimise disease spread.
- Managed a complex case portfolio ensuring timely, accurate, and consistent operational delivery.
- Led quality assurance activities including peer reviews, calibration sessions, and process checks.
- Lead various focus groups and supported team members.
- Developed and maintained SOPs, guidelines, and processes to support team efficiency and clarity.
- Provided leadership support and stepped into Team Leader responsibilities when required.
- Contributed to business functions including purchase orders, invoicing, and data quality improvements.
- Supported workplace Health & Safety and promoted safe operational practices.
- Completed MPI-selected Epidemiology training to strengthen technical thinking and farmer engagement.
- Applied NZ Cattle Farming Business Practise knowledge to disease and risk management principles.
- Key Achievements
- Identified and mitigated potential disease risk gaps through proactive analysis and cross team collaboration.
- Developed the Business Continuity Plan for the Mycoplasma programme, strengthening operational resilience and national planning readiness.
- Strengthened connections with the support centre to improve stakeholder experience and programme alignment.
Senior Adviser, Verification and Allocations
Ministry for Primary Industries (New Zealand)
02.2021 - 10.2023
- In this disease management role on the Mycoplasma bovis programme my responsibilities were in line with those at OSPRI.
- Public services responsible for protecting New Zealand’s primary sector.
- Key Responsibilities
- Analysed cattle movements across multiple systems to identify disease risks and determine sampling requirements.
- Engaged with farmers to gather information, explain programme processes, and support response activities.
- Managed complex and high-risk cases, providing senior support to the Validation team.
- Developed and improved processes to enhance workflow clarity, consistency, and operational efficiency.
- Provided coaching and guidance to team members, including reviewing work for quality and accuracy.
- Trained and onboarded new staff and developed training materials to support capability building.
- Produced and maintained SOPs, operational instructions, and documentation to support programme delivery.
- Collaborated with epidemiologists and veterinarians to ensure accurate risk assessment and sampling decisions.
- Maintained high documentation standards across databases and case systems.
- Key Achievements
- Identified that claims were being delayed due to unclear handling of cases that fell outside standard criteria. Designed and implemented a new “out-of-spec” process, reducing bottlenecks, improving workflow clarity, and ensuring faster, more consistent decision-making.
- Created an innovative new process that enabled the easy extraction of a report from the system, resulting in operational efficiencies and improved work quality.
Adviser, Verification and Allocations
Ministry for Primary Industries (New Zealand)
04.2019 - 01.2021
- In this disease management role on the Mycoplasma bovis programme I analysed cattle movements of interest, validated information, and engaged with farmers about movements of interest and gathered information to support response and programme delivery. I managed a portfolio of cases and ensured effective operational delivery.
- Public services responsible for protecting New Zealand’s primary sector.
- Key Responsibilities
- Conducted in depth analysis of cattle movements using multiple systems.
- Engaged with farmers to discuss cattle movements of interest to the programme, and gathering farm and animal details to determine sampling requirements and worked with epidemiologist and veterinarians where necessary.
- Identified farmer welfare needs and escalated such cases effectively to ensure farmer welfare and programme needs are delivered.
- Produced detailed case notes for farms and maintained and updated several databases and filing systems with information received from farmers, to ensure effective operational delivery.
- Produced and maintained SOPs, training material, and operational instructions.
- Key Achievements
- Recognised for high performance and strong production outputs.
Financial Adviser
Discovery Life (South Africa)
03.2017 - 01.2019
- I provided financial advice to clients with a focus on wealth creation and wealth protection. My advice was tailored to each individual client’s financial needs. I was responsible for new business development and continuous business growth.
- A leading provider of comprehensive insurance and investment products.
- Key Responsibilities
- Met with clients face to face to gain understanding of their financial positions and goals.
- Analysed client’s financial situation and developed tailored financial plans.
- Business Development & Relationship Management
- Managed a portfolio of insurance and investment clients.
- Advised on the drafting of Wills to ensure effective estate administration according to client wishes.
- Stakeholder Engagement.
- Ensured my advice met compliance standards.
- Adhered to policies, legislation and regulations.
- Oversaw accounts payable/receivable, reconciliation, and budgeting.
- Identified process improvements to support business growth.
- Managed and trained office support staff.
- Key Achievements
- Received a Recognition Award for meeting business targets regularly and overall sales performance.
Financial Adviser
Liberty Life (South Africa)
02.2015 - 02.2017
- My role and responsibilities for this position were in line with those executed at Discovery Life.
- A provider of tailor-made financial solutions for individuals, families or business clients.
- Key Achievements
- Recipient of multiple Recognition Awards between 2015 and 2017
Estate Administrator
Standard Bank (South Africa)
10.2007 - 01.2015
- I administered deceased estates according to legislation and regulations.
- A financial services provider
- Key Responsibilities
- Met with beneficiaries to report and gather initial information of deceased estates.
- Managed and administered a portfolio of deceased estates.
- Managed bank reconciliations and account payments.
- Beneficiary & Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management.
- Drafted liquidation and distribution accounts and ensured adherence to legislation and regulations.
Education
Certificate in Banking -
University of South Africa
Higher Certificate in Wealth Management -
Moonstone College
South AfricaSkills
Case & Portfolio Management — managing complex, high-risk cases with accuracy and sound judgement
Emotional Intelligence & De-escalation — navigating sensitive conversations, supporting farmer wellbeing, and maintaining calm, professional communication under pressure
Operational Coordination — ensuring smooth workflow delivery across teams and systems
Process Mapping & Process Discipline — analysing workflows, identifying gaps, and maintaining consistent, high-quality operational processes
Risk Assessment & Decision-Making — applying structured, evidence-based reasoning to determine disease risk and operational actions
Problem-Solving — interpreting complex data and recommending practical solutions
Stakeholder & Farmer Engagement — building trust, navigating sensitive conversations, and supporting farmer wellbeing
Communication & Relationship Management — clear, empathetic communication with farmers, veterinarians, contractors, and internal teams
Customer Service
Quality Assurance & Process Improvement— conducting peer reviews, calibration sessions, and maintaining documentation standards
Cross-Programme Collaboration — working across M bovis, TBfree, and support functions to ensure aligned delivery
Analytical & Critical Thinking & Sound Judgement
Leadership Support & Coaching — supporting team leaders, guiding colleagues, and stepping into leadership responsibilities
Strong Organisational & Time Management Skills
CRM Systems Disease Management System: OOMS Salesforce: Tiaki Geographic Information System AgriBase Farms Online NAIT Business Central SharePoint Piritahi Promapp BambooHR Excel Word PowerPoint
Empathy & Active Listening Adaptability & Flexibility Accountability & Integrity Collaborative Teamwork Reasoned Decision-making Clear Verbal & Written Communication Self-Management & Motivation Planning & Prioritisation Interpersonal Relationship Building Continuous Self-Development
Certification
- Operational Excellence Foundations, LinkedIn, 2026
- Foundational Business Analysis Training, LinkedIn, 2026
- MPI Applied Epidemiology Professional Training, Massey University, 2026 - New and Emerging Diseases, Epidemiology & Data Analysis, Investigating Animal Health, Disease Outbreak Response
- Te Reo Māori Language classes, Ministry for Primary Industries, 2022
- Introduction to the Biosecurity Act 1993, Ministry for Primary Industries, 2022
- Tactical Communications, Ministry for Primary Industries, 2022
- MPI Mentoring Programme, Ministry of Primary Industries, 2021
- Coordinated Incident Management Systems (CIMS), Ministry for Primary Industries, 2020 - Includes Response Essentials, Interactions on a Response, and Compensation on a Response
- Biosecurity Awareness, Ministry for Primary Industries, 2020
- Dynamic Risk Management and Knowledge of Risk, Ministry for Primary Industries, 2020
- Peer Review & Refine your writing, Write Limited, 2020
- Financial Regulated Exams, Moonstone, South Africa, 2017
- Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF6), South Africa, 2016
- Certificate in Banking (NQF5), University of South Africa, 2009
Earlier Career
- Branch Manager, Altech Autopage Cellular, South Africa Nov 2006 – Sept 2007
- Branch Manager, MTN Cellular, South Africa Apr 2005 – Aug 2006
- Sales Consultant, MTN Cellular, South Africa Dec 2004 – March 2005
Timeline
Senior Validation Adviser
OSPRI
11.2023 - 04.2026
Senior Adviser, Verification and Allocations
Ministry for Primary Industries (New Zealand)
02.2021 - 10.2023
Adviser, Verification and Allocations
Ministry for Primary Industries (New Zealand)
04.2019 - 01.2021
Financial Adviser
Discovery Life (South Africa)
03.2017 - 01.2019
Financial Adviser
Liberty Life (South Africa)
02.2015 - 02.2017
Estate Administrator
Standard Bank (South Africa)
10.2007 - 01.2015
Certificate in Banking -
University of South Africa
Higher Certificate in Wealth Management -
Moonstone College