Governance updates and corporate events

Submission process

Submissions for the Annual Meeting Resolutions and Biosecurity Response Levy consultation can be done online or by post. If having your say by post, it is advised to post the papers with enough time to ensure it reaches the Returning Officer before submissions close.

All levy payers are being consulted on the changes to the Biosecurity Response Levy, while only members of DairyNZ Inc can have their say on the annual meeting resolutions.

Read more about the resolutions and Biosecurity Response Levy consultation in the Annual Resolutions and Biosecurity Response Levy Consultation Information booklet.

Annual Meeting resolutions

This year, members are being asked to consider two key resolutions - the ratification of board-appointed independent director, Mark Todd, and the remuneration of DairyNZ directors.

Mark Todd has served on the DairyNZ Board since 2022, and his re-appointment for another term requires member ratification.

Members can also approve the remuneration of DairyNZ Inc directors, following recommendations from the independent Directors Remuneration Committee, as outlined in the information booklet.

DairyNZ’s Board of Directors and DRC election outcome

As only two nominated candidates were received for the DairyNZ Board of Director election, and two vacancies existed, Tracy Brown and Chris Lewis were elected unopposed as DairyNZ Inc Directors.

Similarly, Shirley Trumper and Ellen Bartlett were elected unopposed as Directors’ Remuneration Committee members.

Consultation to amend the Biosecurity Response Levy

DairyNZ is consulting with levy payers on the Biosecurity (Response - Milksolids Levy) Order 2019, known as the “Biosecurity Response Levy”.

We are seeking your views on broadening the scope of what the Biosecurity Response Levy can be spent on to include readiness activities - the actions that help us prepare to respond in the event of other disease outbreaks in New Zealand.

Currently, the levy can only be used to fund biosecurity responses (while readiness is paid for from the DairyNZ Milksolids Levy). Supporting this change would expand the levy to also fund readiness. This would unlock M. bovis reserves and make better use of the investment farmers have already made.

We encourage you to have your say, so your views are considered. This is your opportunity to provide feedback on how levy funds are used to protect your farm and the wider industry from biosecurity threats.

Read more about the Biosecurity Response Levy at dairynz.co.nz/biosecuritylevy

Come along to our DairyNZ research farms and Annual Meeting

This year we are excited to give our levy payers the opportunity to tour DairyNZ’s purpose-built research farms, Scott Farm and Lye Farm in Waikato, from 10am on Thursday 6 November.

You will hear firsthand about some of the research DairyNZ is currently conducting, including getting to view our individual animal intake unit infrastructure and facilities, where we conduct detailed animal and methane emissions research.

A range of our key scientists and experts will be available to discuss in more detail the latest research, tools and solutions that will make a difference on-farm.

Following the research farm tours, DairyNZ’s Annual Meeting will be held at Zenders Café, Hamilton, at 1:15pm. Lunch will be available from 12:30pm, before the Annual Meeting commences.

The Annual Meeting will present key highlights from the year 2024/25, including how DairyNZ invested levy funds last season, a summary of the annual audited financial accounts, and an overview of DairyNZ’s key projects and future investment priorities. There is also the opportunity to engage with DairyNZ’s Board members and senior leadership, including the Chief Executive.

Farm tour spaces are limited. Sign up to DairyNZ’s research farm tour and Annual Meeting now.