APHANZ Board
Back row, from L to R: Nigel Johnston, Fraser Hodgson, Ed Catherwood, Chris Binns, Sam Higgins
Front row, from L to R: Nicola Smith, Liz Shackleton (APHANZ CE), David MacGibbon, Emma Waller, Milton Munro
Absent: Gavin Kerr
Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) has confirmed several Board changes following its 2026 Annual General Meeting, including the appointment of Nicola Smith as President.
Nicola brings more than 25 years of experience across New Zealand’s agricultural sector, spanning crop protection, animal health, commercial management, manufacturing, portfolio strategy, and senior leadership. 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.
She is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and is Country Manager for Syngenta New Zealand.
Nicola says she is 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. This includes a regulatory system that supports innovation and enables investment, and an industry positioned for long‑term growth and sustainability.
“I’m humbled to be appointed to this role, and I’m looking forward to working with my fellow Board members and the APHANZ team on an upcoming refresh of the APHANZ strategy.
“This will be shaped by our collective members’ insights, experiences, and expectations, so our shared direction reflects the realities and the opportunities ahead,” says Nicola.
Alongside the President’s appointment, APHANZ announced additional Board changes.
Milton Munro has been reappointed into a Distributor Director role. As National Technical Manager at PGG Wrightson, Milton brings scientific credibility and practical commercial insight to governance. He has worked extensively with industry, researchers, regulators, and commercial partners to bridge the gap between research, product development, and practical adoption, while advocating for regulatory settings that support productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability.
Nigel Johnston has been appointed to the Associate Director role. Nigel is Managing Director of Pasture First Research. He brings more than 25 years of experience in crop protection, with first-hand knowledge of the critical role of new technologies for New Zealand agricultural and horticultural industries, and the importance of getting these products to market in a timely manner.
APHANZ Chief Executive Liz Shackleton acknowledged the many years of service of Gavin Kerr as outgoing President.
“Gavin’s tenure included oversight of the merger of AGCARM (Agricultural Chemical and Animal Remedy Manufacturers) and ARPPA (Animal Remedies and Plant Protectant Association), into APHANZ in 2022, the establishment of the Emerging Leaders Forum, and guiding the organisation through a period of transition to a new Chief Executive and team.
“His depth of industry knowledge, and ability to unite members have made an important contribution to APHANZ’s role as a credible, collaborative industry voice,” says Liz.
Liz said the Board appointments reflect both continuity and renewal.
“We thank and acknowledge all board members for their contribution to APHANZ and welcome Nicola, Milton, and Nigel into their roles. Gavin will continue on the Board for the next year in the Immediate Past President role.
"APHANZ's strength lies in the collective - diverse voices, competing priorities, forged into common purpose. This gives us clear direction, resolve to meet growth and challenge, and the strength to carry the sector forward.
“We look forward to the year ahead,” says Liz.
