Rebecca Fisher, an outstanding horticultural leader, known for her knack of turning strategy and ideas into reality on the ground for growers has been awarded the 2025 Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) Lifetime Achievement Award.
This award recognises exceptional contributions of people over a long period, to research, innovation, advocacy or leadership in the animal and plant health industry. This is the highest award possible from her peers.
It is the first time since APHANZ (formerly Agcarm), was set up in 1948 that the Lifetime Achievement Award has been awarded to a woman.
APHANZ Chief Executive Dr Liz Shackleton notes that it is Rebecca’s outstanding skills and leadership that has seen her inducted into the APHANZ Hall of Fame.
“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.” says Dr Shackleton.
She joins an elite group who have been recognised for their contribution to the agriculture and horticulture sector. Past recipients of this award have included Noel Fitzgerald, Ross Hore, Don McPhail, Felix O’Sullivan, Richard Paxman, Fergie Sumich, Peter Fisher, Dave Lunn, and Mark Christie.
Dr Shackleton further highlighted Rebecca’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,” says Dr Shackleton.
Rebecca is General Manager, Projects and Programmes for Horticulture New Zealand.
From a 50ha deer farm in Katikati, Rebecca went to university in Palmerston North to do a Bachelor of Science in Horticultural Science, working with kiwifruit and strawberry picking during her school and university holidays. She was drawn to horticulture because it’s about growing healthy nutritious food for people.
Kate Scott, Chief Executive Horticulture New Zealand says: “the impact of Rebecca’s work has been broad and profo
und - strengthening horticulture’s foundations, ensuring smoother pathways for innovation and sustainability so the sector can thrive.”
Rebecca was presented with the award at Parliament by Minister Nicola Grigg, Associate Minister of Agriculture (Horticulture) and Minister for Women.
“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.
“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,” says Minister Grigg.
APHANZ’s annual conference dinner and awards takes place on 11 June 2025 in Wellington, where other people will be recognised for their contribution to APHANZ and the industry.
Note:
The award was presented ahead of the Animal and Plant Health annual conference, which is being held on 11 June in Wellington, because Rebecca is unable to attend the conference dinner and awards ceremony.
The following awards will be announced and presented at the conference dinner and awards.
- Outstanding Achievement
- Emerging Leader
- Lifetime Achievement
- President’s Award
