Sector awards celebrate leadership, service and lasting impact
Two respected leaders whose work has helped shape New Zealand’s animal and plant health sector have been recognised for their contributions by the industry’s leading advocacy body.
Gavin Kerr from Nufarm has received the Outstanding Contribution Award from Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ), while Awilda Baoumgren from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) received the President’s Award for her service and leadership in veterinary medicine regulation.
Kerr was acknowledged for his long-standing leadership, advocacy, and service to the sector, including five years chairing APHANZ.
Change under his tenure included the merger of legacy associations AGCARM (Agricultural Chemical and Animal Remedy Manufacturers’ Association) and ARPPA (Animal Remedies and Plant Protectant Association) into APHANZ, and the establishment of the Emerging Leaders Forum.
Chief Executive Liz Shackleton says he has left a long-standing contribution to the sector.
“Gavin’s work has shaped the organisation’s strength and direction through a period of significant change requiring resilience and unwavering commitment to our membership and the wider sector.”
Kerr continues to serve the organisation as Immediate Past President.
The President’s Award presented to Awilda Baoumgren, Specialist Adviser Veterinary Medicine Regulation and Residues at MPI’s ACVM team recognises her significant contribution to industry understanding, regulatory clarity, and constructive engagement.
Baoumgren has spent more than a decade supporting industry through pragmatic and evidence-based regulatory advice, leading veterinary medicine reassessments, contributing to policy development, and presenting widely to industry groups.
Acting Board Chair Fraser Hodgson says her recognition reflects the value of a strong, constructive relationship between regulators and industry.
“Awilda exemplifies the consistent leadership that underpins good regulatory practice.”
She is respected within the sector as knowledgeable, approachable, and pragmatic, bringing steady, practical expertise to every conversation.
“That kind of engagement strengthens an effective working relationship between regulators and industry and ultimately supports better outcomes for New Zealand.”
Director of ACVM Karen Booth says Baoumgren’s influence on veterinary medicine regulation extends far beyond her day-to-day role, helping to build understanding, trust, and confidence across the sector.
“New Zealand Food Safety and the ACVM team are delighted to see her years of service and leadership recognised through this award.”
Baoumgren says she’s honoured by the award.
“The team and I work hard every day to make sure that the important work of safeguarding animal welfare, supporting farmers and owners, and protecting New Zealand food safety and trade is done.”
Liz Shackleton said the awards highlight the people who deliver progress through a balance of expertise, pragmatism and collaboration across the animal and plant health sector.
“These contributions strengthen our organisation, the wider regulatory relationship between industry and government, and the primary sector as a whole.”
The awards were presented at the annual APHANZ conference dinner in Wellington, attended by more than 130 leaders of multinational and national companies operating in New Zealand’s animal and plant health, along with senior managers and representatives from across government and the primary sector.