12 June 2025
Four incredible women were celebrated at the 2025 Animal and Plant Health NZ (APHANZ) Annual Conference Dinner and Awards Ceremony last night in Wellington.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Rebecca Fisher
The highest honour bestowed by APHANZ, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Rebecca Fisher from Horticulture New Zealand. This award celebrates individuals who have made exceptional, long-term contributions to research, innovation, advocacy, and leadership in the animal and plant health industry.
A visionary leader in horticulture, Rebecca has dedicated her career to advancing the sector through tireless advocacy and strategic leadership.
As the first woman in APHANZ’s history to be rewarded with this honour, APHANZ was pleased to have the Honourable Nicola Griggs, Minister for Women and Associate Minister of Agriculture (Horticulture), present Rebecca with the award.
“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,” said Minister Grigg.
Outstanding Contribution Award: Julia McNab
A mentor to emerging leaders and a trusted advisor to the industry, APHANZ honoured Julia McNab with the 2025 Outstanding Contribution Award.
With over two decades of experience in veterinary medicines, Julia has quietly become one of the most respected figures in regulatory affairs and product development. After earning her PhD in molecular biology, Julia began her career with a UK regulator before relocating to New Zealand in 2007. Since then, she has worked with leading animal health companies and founded her own consultancy which is now part of Epivets.
Julia’s work has been instrumental in advancing quality regulation and promoting international harmonisation and best practice conventions. Over the past year, she provided invaluable support to APHANZ, offering expert guidance on regulatory harmonisation and contributing to government submissions on behalf of the One Voice of APHANZ members.
President’s Award: Ginny Dodunski
The President’s Award recognises individuals who demonstrate courage, resilience, and systems thinking in addressing long-term industry challenges. This year, APHANZ presented this award to Ginny Dodunski for her outstanding work in tackling drench resistance and promoting product stewardship.
A highly respected veterinarian, Ginny has made significant contributions through her advisory, extension, and programme management work with Wormwise. This marks her second time receiving the President’s Award—a testament to her enduring impact on the industry.
Emerging Leader Award: Alexandra Bunton
The 2025 Emerging Leader Award was presented to Alexandra Bunton, Bayer Crop Science, Australia & New Zealand.
Over the past year, Alexandra has distinguished herself through her fearless engagement on complex issues, her evidence-based approach, and her exceptional communication skills.
She has played a key role in membership feedback to inform APHANZ’s advocacy efforts, contributing to strategic leadership, ministerial engagement, and policy discussions on gene technology and regulatory reform. Her work has strengthened the evidence base for key initiatives and the industry’s unified voice on critical issues.
Balancing her contributions to APHANZ with a demanding role at Bayer, Aly exemplifies the spirit of service and leadership.
Animal and Plant Health NZ Chief Executive, Dr Liz Shackleton reflected on this year’s awards: “Leadership is having the courage to go first and open the path for others to follow.
“These women have done exactly this in their respective fields of regulatory affairs, stewardship, policy and advocacy.
“All four have quietly paved the way for future leaders. They are a reminder of the many shapes leadership can take at all levels within the primary sector. It’s great to see their work held up and celebrated.
Liz further highlighted unanimous support by members in honouring such impactful women at this year’s awards.
“As we power forward into the next year, there’s no doubt these women will continue to play a key role and inspire others towards achieving significant change that will bring positive impacts for the animal and plant health industry,” says Liz.
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Interviews with Dr Liz Shackleton and award recipients can be arranged on request. Please contact Linda Lim, APHANZ Strategic Government Relations and Communications Manager – email linda.lim@aphanz.co.nz or phone 027 231 2834.
Editors notes
Animal and Plant Health NZ are the peak industry association of companies that manufacture, distribute, and sell products that keep animals health and crops thriving. We provide a unified voice for our members to government, regulators, and stakeholders.
We take a lead role in managing issues of importance to the plant and animal science industries, for the end goal of healthy crops, healthy animals, and a healthy economy, while minimising risks to the public and the environment.
For more information about APHANZ, go to www.animalplanthealth.co.nz
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| Rebecca Fisher 2025 APHANZ Lifetime Achievement Award | Ginny Dodunski 2025 APHANZ President’s Award | Julia McNab 2025 APHANZ Outstanding Contribution Award | Alexandra Bunton 2025 Emerging Leader Award |
