Auditing experts: Hill Labs
After a successful first year of operation, and as compliance requirements underpin the food sector, a Christchurch joint-venture auditing and inspection services company works to meet demand.
“As New Zealand exports grow, the need for independent verification grows with them. Market access requirements are becoming more complex, and producers need reliable and responsive auditing partners to maintain trade confidence,” says Sam Brooks, inspection and certification CEO for Hill Labs.
Hospitality New Zealand reports the sector reached $15.99 billion in annual sales by mid-2025, with business numbers continuing to increase despite economic pressures. And according to the Ministry for Primary Industries’ 2025 Situation and Outlook report, primary sector export revenue reached $60.4 billion in the year to 30 June 2025, up 13 per cent year-on-year, and is forecast to rise to $62 billion by June 2026.
From 1 April, the joint venture company formed by Hill Labs and auditing specialist, Sam Brooks, began operating under a single, nationally recognised brand: Hill Labs.
The move reflects New Zealand’s strong export performance and growing regulatory complexity across the food, dairy and hospitality sectors, driving demand for independent assurance and certification. “Customers increasingly want a single trusted partner,” says managing director Dr Jonno Hill.
“Larger customers who require the full spectrum of services can now test with us, audit with us, and demonstrate compliance with us. That continuity improves reliability across the process.”
Hill Labs provides auditing services to dairy manufacturers and food exporters, assessing their food safety systems against relevant legislative requirements and market access standards.
Audits span supply chains from farm, through processing and storage to export readiness. The work supports the release of products for shipment and compliance with domestic retail and international market expectations.
