Katikati Woman Wins Lifetime Achievement Award in Horticulture

Former Katikati resident Rebecca Fisher has become the first woman to receive the Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) Lifetime Achievement Award in the organisation's 77-year history. The award, presented at Parliament by Minister Nicola Grigg on 11 June 2025, recognises exceptional long-term contributions to research, innovation, advocacy or leadership in the animal and plant health industry.

Fisher, who is currently General Manager of Projects and Programmes for Horticulture New Zealand, grew up in the Katikati area after her family moved to a deer farm on Work Road in 1993, where she attended Katikati Primary School. APHANZ chief executive Dr Liz Shackleton praised Fisher's contributions at every level of the organisation and the wider primary sector, noting her tenacity and ability to turn ideas into action on the ground for growers.

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott said Fisher's mahi had been "broad and profound", helping to strengthen horticulture's foundations and smooth pathways for innovation and sustainability. Minister Grigg echoed those sentiments, saying she hoped Fisher's story would inspire young wāhine across Aotearoa to consider careers in agriculture. The award was presented at the APHANZ annual conference dinner held in Wellington.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).