Celebrating a horticultural champion

Rebecca Fisher, Horticulture New Zealand’s general manager, projects and programmes, has received the 2025 Animal and Plant Health NZ (APHANZ) Lifetime Achievement Award -- the highest honour from her peers in the animal and plant health industry.

Rebecca is the first woman ever to receive this prestigious award since it was established in 1948 – a milestone long overdue and well deserved.

From a deer farm in Katikati to becoming one of the most respected leaders in horticulture, Rebecca has consistently turned strategy into action, making a real difference for growers across New Zealand.

Her tireless work has strengthened the foundations of our sector and helped create clear pathways for innovation and sustainability.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to shadow inspirational leaders throughout my career who have motivated me to lead with drive and passion says Rebecca Fisher.

“I see that same drive and passion in every grower I’ve had the privilege to meet throughout my career. That’s what energises me and makes working in the horticulture sector so rewarding.”

As APHANZ chief executive Dr Liz Shackleton says:

“Her enthusiasm, tenacity, and ability to get stuff done is second to none. Rebecca is an outstanding leader and a role model for women in agriculture.”

Kate Scott, chief executive of Horticulture New Zealand, says:

“The impact of Rebecca’s work has been broad and profound -- enabling horticulture to thrive.”