Dr Robyn Ann Dynes was recognised in the New Year Honours for services to agricultural science.

A farming systems scientist who has shaped more sustainable agricultural practices, she becomes a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Dr Dynes has a family background farming in Southland, and following her graduation from Lincoln University, she worked for 14 years at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Animal Production in Western Australia.

In 2004 she started working at AgResearch in Lincoln where she has held various roles, becoming the Principal Scientist and Farmer Engagement Specialist in 2024.

She is a member on several boards and advisory groups, including with the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) and Southern Dairy Hub from 2017, Beef and Lamb New Zealand since 2015, and Lincoln University Dairy Farm.

She is an AgResearch representative on Southern Dairy Hub Research Advisory Group.

She actively supports further education through mentorship, leadership programmes, and hosting students.

She was instrumental in the facilitation of the Everything to Gain event in 2022, an AgResearch partnership with Thriving Southland, and the Whitiwhiti Ora Land Use Sustainability Programme.

She won the 2022 Sir Arthur Ward Trophy and in 2023 became a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science.

In 2025, Dr Dynes won the Bledisloe Medal, Lincoln University’s highest accolade, only the fourth woman to receive it in 95 years.

Mrs Jacqueline (Jackie) Robertson, Head of Science at Kerikeri High School since 2008, was honoured for services to science education,

Awarded the King’s Service Medal, she has organised the Top Energy Far North Regional Science Fair since 2011, and as Convenor has developed relationships with many science-focused organisations like NIWA, Dairy New Zealand and Massey University to organise sponsorship.