Former Katikati Resident Rebecca Fisher Inducted into APHANZ Hall of Fame

Rebecca Fisher, a former Katikati resident now working as general manager of projects and programmes for Horticulture New Zealand, has been inducted into the Animal and Plant Health Association New Zealand (APHANZ) Hall of Fame. The 43-year-old is the first woman to receive the honour, which recognises outstanding contribution to the agriculture and horticulture sector.

APHANZ chief executive Dr Liz Shackleton said Fisher's exceptional skills and leadership made her a standout recipient. "Rebecca is an outstanding leader and role model for women in agriculture, so we are delighted to recognise her contribution over many years," she said. Fisher joins an elite group of past recipients including Noel Fitzgerald, Ross Hore, Don McPhail, Felix O'Sullivan, Richard Paxman, and Fergie.

Fisher's family moved to a deer farm on Work Road in 1993, and she attended both Katikati Primary School and Katikati College before leaving in 2000 to complete a Bachelor of Science in Horticultural Science at Massey University in Palmerston North. She worked kiwifruit and strawberry picking during school and university holidays, and has said she was drawn to horticulture because of its focus on growing healthy, nutritious food. She was presented with her award ahead of the APHANZ annual conference dinner and awards evening, held in Wellington on 11 June, as she was unable to attend in person.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).