Liz Shackleton to head Animal and Plant Health NZ

Her term in the role will kick off on 30 October 2022.

Prior to the chief executive role, Shackleton has led the DairyNZ Biosecurity team, including the Mycoplasma bovis Programme team since 2018, and held leadership positions in the pharmaceutical sector after starting her career as a rural veterinarian.

She is a chartered member of the NZ Institute of Directors and a board member of the NZ Veterinary Council.

“I’ve been privileged to spend my career supporting the primary sector – from gumboots to boardroom – and am passionate about the important role it plays for New Zealand,” Shackleton says.

She says she is excited about the opportunity to lead the organisation, given the critical role that healthy crops and animals play in safeguarding our sustainability.

“Growing our people, credible science and supportive regulations all play a key role in bringing innovative solutions to the market for members,” says Shackleton.

“I look forward to continuing to build on the good work Mark Ross and team have done so far.”

The primary sector generates $55 billion in export earnings, and the membership association works closely with government agencies, industry groups, and other stakeholders, to help bring the necessary innovations to manage pests and diseases so that NZ food can be grown sustainably, efficiently and effectively.

Animal and Plant Health NZ co-president Vanessa MacDonald says Shackleton will be instrumental in implementing the recently rebranded organisation’s strategy.

MacDonald says that strategy prioritises the safeguarding of the sustainability of agriculture by ensuring the health of crops and animals.

“Liz’s leadership will empower New Zealand’s farmers and growers with innovative solutions and best practices, reinforcing their position as frontrunners in producing safe, healthy, and sustainable food for a discerning global market,” MacDonald says.