Former Katikati resident Rebecca Fisher – an outstanding horticultural leader known for turning strategy and ideas into reality on the ground for growers – has been awarded the 2025 Animal and Plant Health New Zealand Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award recognises exceptional long-term contributions to research, innovation, advocacy or leadership in the animal and plant health industry.

The highest award possible from her peers, it was also the first time since APHANZ – formerly Agcarm – was set up in 1948 that the Lifetime Achievement Award had been awarded to a woman.

APHANZ chief executive Dr Liz Shackleton said Fisher’s outstanding skills and leadership led to her induction.

“By coincidence, this is the first time a woman has received this award, but high time too.

“Rebecca is an outstanding leader and role model for women in agriculture, so we are delighted to recognise her contribution over many years with this award.”

Fisher, aged 42, joins an elite group who have been recognised for their contribution to the agriculture and horticulture sector.

Past award recipients include Noel Fitzgerald, Ross Hore, Don McPhail, Felix O’Sullivan, Richard Paxman, Fergie Sumich, Peter Fisher, Dave Lunn, and Mark Christie.

Every level

Dr Shackleton highlighted Fisher’s contribution at every level of the APHANZ membership and primary sector.

“From board roles to offering innovative ideas and solutions to providing hands-on support to the team and our emerging leadership cohort, Rebecca has demonstrated a relentless commitment to promote the interests of the industry.

“Her enthusiasm for the sector, tenacity and ability to get stuff done is second to none.

“Rebecca is an inspiration for women in the primary sector, and she has quietly paved the foundations for the next generation,” said Shackleton.

Fisher is general manager, projects and programmes for Horticulture New Zealand.

Fisher’s family moved to a deer farm on Work Road in 1993 and she attended Katikati Primary School and Katikati College before leaving in 2000 to undertake a Bachelor of Science in Horticultural Science at Massey University in Palmerston North; and worked with kiwifruit and strawberry picking during school and university holidays. She was drawn to horticulture “because it’s about growing healthy nutritious food for people”.

Horticulture NZ chief executive Kate Scott said: “the impact of Rebecca’s work has been broad and profound – strengthening horticulture’s foundations, ensuring smoother pathways for innovation and sustainability so the sector can thrive”.

Fisher was presented with the award at Parliament by Minister Nicola Grigg.

“As Minister for Women and Associate Minister of Agriculture, it’s an absolute privilege to present the 2025 Animal and Plant Health New Zealand Lifetime Achievement Award to Rebecca Fisher for her outstanding achievements in the primary industries,” said Grigg.

Incredible contribution

“As the worthy recipient of this award, Rebecca has shown women across the country that a career in agriculture is something to be desired and celebrated.

“I hope many young women across New Zealand can be inspired by Rebecca and join me in congratulating her for her incredible contribution to agriculture.”

APHANZ’s annual conference dinner and awards took place on June 11 in Wellington, where others were recognised for their contribution to APHANZ and the industry.

Fisher was presented with her award ahead of the APHANZ annual conference because she was unable to attend the event, which hosted a dinner and awards ceremony.

Animal and Plant Health NZ are the peak industry association of companies that manufacture, distribute, and sell products that keep animals healthy and crops thriving.

For more information about APHANZ, visit: www.animalplanthealth.co.nz