Our team
Dr Liz Shackleton
Chief Executive
E liz.shackleton@aphanz.co.nz
P 027 235 4446
Liz joined Animal and Plant Health New Zealand as Chief Executive Officer in October 2023.
Her primary sector career spans various strategic leadership roles in biosecurity, regulatory and animal health sectors and clinical veterinary practice.
Her work has included supporting teams and governance functions across private and public partnerships in the primary sector including leading the dairy industry team in the Mycoplasma bovis Programme.
Liz is a chartered member of the Institute of Directors New Zealand, a veterinarian elected member of the New Zealand Veterinary Council, past president of the Australia New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Pharmacology) and Institute for Strategic Leadership alumnus.
Liz hails from Irish farming background and is passionate about our rural communities and supporting our sectors emerging leaders.
Office and Events Manager
E: admin@aphanz.co.nz
Linda Lim
Strategic Government Relations and Communications Manager
Linda has extensive experience in strategic communications, relationships and events management. She has worked in a wide range of organisations, leading and implementing effective strategic communications and engagement activities, and managing internal and external stakeholders and media.
Linda joined us in February 2025 from Wellington Water where she was responsible for managing comms and engagement for projects for Porirua City Council and Wellington City Council. Prior to that she was the Communications and Engagement Lead for the New Zealand Productivity Commission. She was also part of Ministry of Health’s response to COVID-19, providing comms support to the Testing team.
Outside of her day job, Linda leads organisation of the annual Lunar New Year Festival in Wellington.
Tanya Karst
Principal Advisor Plant Health
Tanya joined us in March 2025, bringing her ability to lead and manage complex policy initiatives, provide insightful advice, and build enduring relationships.
She has a mix of public and private policy experience in industry and environmental protection. She holds an MSc in Conservation Biology and is a published academic author. Making Aotearoa New Zealand her home since 2011, Tanya is driven by being a part of positive change.
In her previous roles, she secured Government decisions for an international biodiversity agreement, collaborated in the agricultural technology space, and led the development of an on-farm nutrient management tool.
Outside of work, Tanya enjoys recharging in the great outdoors, catching up with friends and family, and making memories with her daughter.
