Board
We are governed by an nine-member board elected by members. Our current Board is as follows:
PRESIDENT NICOLA SMITH
(Syngenta)
Nicola is Country Manager for Syngenta New Zealand, leading the company’s commercial, regulatory and strategic activities across the crop protection and seed sectors.
Nicola brings more than 25 years of experience across New Zealand’s agricultural industry, spanning crop protection, animal health, commercial management, manufacturing, portfolio strategy and senior leadership. She is also a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.
Her career provides an end-to-end understanding of the industry, from science and regulatory systems through to commercial execution and market dynamics.
A former APHANZ Board member from 2021 to 2024, Nicola contributed to foundational work that shaped the organisation’s current strategic direction and brings a deep understanding of the membership and the regulatory environment influencing the sector’s future.
“I’m honoured to take on the role at a pivotal time for the sector. APHANZ has made significant progress in recent years, and it’s essential that we convert that into lasting change.”
VICE PRESIDENT FRASER HODGSON
(Virbac)
Fraser is the General Manager of Virbac NZ and Innovation & Regulatory Affairs Director – Pacific.
He brings nearly two decades of senior leadership experience in veterinary pharmaceutical and health research organisations across Europe, North America and Asia, alongside strong capability in regulatory affairs, innovation, commercial strategy and global operations.
Fraser contributes international perspective, regulatory depth and commercial leadership to the Board, supporting APHANZ’s work to strengthen regulatory performance and industry competitiveness.
He holds a BApplSc, PGDipBusAdmin, GDipSC, and PGDip in International Selling, and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.
“Long‑term product stewardship is essential in a highly regulated market, and I’m committed to contributing to a strong, sustainable future for our industry and the wider primary sector.”
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT GAVIN KERR
(Nufarm)
Gavin is Country Manager for Nufarm New Zealand, leading the business’s commercial strategy, innovation programmes and customer solutions.
He brings extensive experience in strategic innovation, team leadership, problem‑solving and commercial development, with a strong focus on delivering value‑added solutions for growers.
Gavin contributes leadership, industry experience and continuity, having served as APHANZ President from 2020 to July 2026 and continuing on the Board as Immediate Past President.
Gavin is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and holds a Master of Agribusiness from the University of Melbourne.
“It’s a privilege to continue supporting APHANZ as we work to secure a modern, predictable regulatory system and deliver real value for growers, farmers and the wider industry.”
Manufacturer representatives
EMMA WALLER
(Nufarm)
Emma is the Regulatory Lead for Nufarm, responsible for regulatory strategy, compliance and product approvals across Australia and New Zealand.
Emma has more than 20 years of regulatory expertise across the agrichemical sector in New Zealand and Australia. She brings a strong understanding of the regulatory landscape for agricultural inputs and well‑established relationships with regulators and industry peers.
Emma contributes trusted regulatory insight and strong technical knowledge to the Board, supporting APHANZ’s work to advance fit‑for‑purpose regulatory settings for members.
“I’m excited to help contribute to APHANZ’s work to shape outcomes that benefit suppliers, distributors, farmers and growers across New Zealand.”
SAM HIGGINS
(MSD Animal Health)
Sam is the Business Development Manager for MSD Animal Health’s Bio-Pharmaceutical and Technology business, responsible for commercial development across advanced veterinary technologies.
Sam contributes deep pharmaceutical sector knowledge, commercial acumen and operational expertise to the Board, supporting APHANZ’s work to strengthen innovation pathways and product access.
His background includes senior roles across manufacturing, supply chain integration and commercial leadership within global pharmaceutical operations.
“I see real opportunity for the Board to drive positive change and tackle the global challenges of feeding the world while enhancing animal welfare, plant and environmental management through diverse farming practices.”
DAVID MACGIBBON
(Sipcam)
David is Chief Executive of Sipcam New Zealand, leading the company’s manufacturing, distribution and commercial operations.
He brings extensive experience across the primary industries and innovation sectors, with a strong background in commercial leadership, industry development and governance.
David contributes valuable industry knowledge, governance capability and strategic insight to APHANZ’s executive, secretariat and Board, supporting effective decision‑making and organisational performance.
He is a Chartered Director, an Associate Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders (NZ) and has served on several commercial and not‑for‑profit boards.
“I’m focused on constructive engagement that strengthens regulator relationships and performance and supports legislative settings that enable R&D and environmental sustainability.”
Distributor member representatives
CHRIS BINNS
(Farmlands Cooperative)
Chris is General Manager, Horticulture for Farmlands Cooperative, leading their horticulture strategy, commercial operations and technical support.
Chris contributes strong sector insight, commercial leadership and practical industry experience to the Board, supporting APHANZ’s work to deliver value for growers and wider sector stakeholders.
His background includes senior horticultural leadership roles and long‑standing involvement in New Zealand’s fruit‑growing sector.
“I’m committed to ensuring growers have access to the tools, advice and innovation they need to thrive. APHANZ plays a vital role in that, and I’m proud to support the sector through the Board.”
MILTON MUNRO
(PGG Wrightson)
Milton is the National Technical Team Manager for PGG Wrightson, leading technical support, product development and industry engagement across the business.
Milton has a background in plant science and molecular biology, and brings extensive experience working with industry, researchers, regulators and commercial partners to bridge the gap between research, product development and practical adoption.
Milton contributes technical depth, scientific expertise and practical commercial insight to the Board, supporting APHANZ’s work to strengthen innovation, productivity and sustainability.
“I look forward to the opportunity to champion New Zealand farmers and growers who rely on new, more sustainable products to farm and grow as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
Associate member representative
NIGEL JOHNSTON
(Pasture First Research)
Nigel is Managing Director of Pasture First Research, overseeing seed, agrichemical and fertiliser field trials across New Zealand and Australia.
He brings first‑hand knowledge of new technologies for agricultural and horticultural industries, with extensive experience in research agronomy, product development and field trial management.
Nigel contributes scientific rigour, research expertise and practical understanding of innovation pathways to the Board, supporting APHANZ’s work to strengthen evidence‑based decision‑making and product performance.
“Robust science and high‑quality data are essential for good regulatory and industry outcomes. I’m pleased to contribute my research experience to provide a strong evidence base to strengthen the collective voice of our members.”
Co-opted member
ED CATHERWOOD
(Agrihealth)
Ed is the Managing Director and owner of AgriHealth NZ. Founded in 2008, the Company has grown to become the largest locally owned marketer and ACVM registrant of farm animal medicines.
A Massey University agricultural science graduate in 1990, Ed has decades of experience in animal health and nutrition, and a real passion for New Zealand pastoral farming. He now owns the 320ha family farm near Darfield, continuing the Catherwood family tradition of farming in Cantebury since the 1860s.
Ed contributes substantial commercial and governance experience. He was Chair of ARPPA (Animal Remedies and Plant Protectant Association) for nine years, before co-leading the merger with AGCARM (Agricultural Chemical and Animal Remedy Manufacturers) to form APHANZ in 2022.
“Our sector depends on credible authentic voices that act in the best interests of our industry. I advocate strongly to ensure New Zealand remains a great country to farm healthy and productive livestock, and a wonderful place to live.”
