23 July 2026
Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) celebrated long standing service to the sector at its annual awards dinner on 22 July 2026, recognising individuals who have made exceptional contributions to New Zealand’s animal and plant health sector.
This year’s awards honoured two standout recipients – Gavin Kerr who received the Outstanding Contribution Award, and Awilda Baoumgren, who received the President’s Award for her service and leadership in veterinary medicine regulation.
Gavin was recognised for his long-standing leadership, advocacy, and service to the sector, including five years as APHANZ Chair. Change under his tenure included the merger of legacy associations AGCARM (Agricultural Chemical and Animal Remedy Manufacturers’ Association) and ARPPA (Animal Remedies and Plant Protectant Association) into APHANZ, and the establishment of the Emerging Leaders Forum.
APHANZ Chief Executive Liz Shackleton said Gavin has left a long-standing contribution to the sector.
“Gavin’s work has shaped the organisation’s strength and direction through a period of significant change requiring resilience and unwavering commitment to our membership and the wider sector.
“This award reflects the service he has given past, present and to support the future leaders of our industry,” said Liz.
Gavin continues to serve on the APHANZ Board as Immediate Past President.
The President’s Award was presented to Awilda Baoumgren, Specialist Adviser Veterinary Medicine Regulation and Residues at MPI’s ACVM team, recognising her significant contribution to industry understanding, regulatory clarity, and constructive engagement.
Awilda has spent more than a decade supporting industry through pragmatic and evidence‑based regulatory advice, leading veterinary medicine reassessments, contributing to policy development, and presenting widely to industry groups.
Acting APHANZ Board Chair Fraser Hodgson said Awilda's recognition reflects the value of a strong, constructive relationship between regulators and industry.
"Awilda exemplifies the consistent leadership that underpins good regulatory practice.
"She is respected within the sector as knowledgeable, approachable, and pragmatic, bringing steady, practical expertise to every conversation.
"That kind of engagement strengthens an effective working relationship between regulators and industry and ultimately supports better outcomes for New Zealand,” said Fraser.
Director of ACVM, Karen Booth, said Awilda’s influence on veterinary medicine regulation extends far beyond her day-to-day role, helping to build understanding, trust, and confidence across the sector.
“New Zealand Food Safety and the ACVM team are delighted to see her years of service and leadership recognised through this award."
Awilda said she was honoured to receive the award.
“The team and I work hard every day to make sure that the important work of safeguarding animal welfare, supporting farmers and owners, and protecting New Zealand food safety and trade is done. Thank you for recognising that work.”
APHANZ Chief Executive Liz Shackleton said the awards highlight the people who deliver progress through a balance of expertise, pragmatism and collaboration across the animal and plant health sector.
"Our sector succeeds when expertise and a willingness to work constructively together come first. Gavin and Awilda both reflect that spirit, from very different vantage points.
"These contributions strengthen our organisation, the wider regulatory relationship between industry and government, and the primary sector as a whole."
The awards were presented at the APHANZ Annual Conference dinner in Wellington, attended by over 130 leaders of multinational and national companies operating in New Zealand’s animal and plant health sectors as well as senior managers and representative from across government and primary industry.
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