Nominations open for Directors’ elections
DairyNZ is giving New Zealand dairy farmers the opportunity to help shape the sector’s future, with nominations now open for one farmer-elected Board of Directors position and two roles on the Directors’ Remuneration Committee.
Incumbent director Cameron Henderson is seeking re-election to the DairyNZ Board, and Johanna Burton is seeking re-election to the Directors’ Remuneration Committee.
Pukeatua farmer Chris Lewis has sat on the DairyNZ Board since 2022 and says it is vital to have farmer voices around the governance table.
“DairyNZ is funded by dairy farmers, so it’s essential that we have the voice and experience of those working behind the farm gate on our Board and governance committees. These elections are about ensuring practical, on-farm perspectives are part of the decisions that guide DairyNZ’s work,” he says.
“It’s a role that is both professionally and personally rewarding. It offers the opportunity to connect with people from across the dairy sector, apply strategic thinking and constructively challenge ideas. As a farmer, I’ve been able to bring real-world farming perspectives to discussions about research, while also taking valuable learnings from the director role back to the farm.”
In addition to nominations for the Board position, DairyNZ is also seeking nominations for two roles on the Directors’ Remuneration Committee, which independently considers and recommends remuneration for directors each year. The committee currently has three members, and the Board has decided to increase membership to four this year.
Current committee chair Shirley Trumper says a committee role is ideal for a farmer who is eager to step into governance.
“It is a great learning opportunity for those who are keen to start their governance journey and would like to learn more about DairyNZ and the role of its directors. The committee meets once or twice a year, so while we have a vital role, it’s not onerous timewise,” she says.
“The ideal candidates will be team players who can read accounts and market data. We’re after diversity ‒ people who are at all levels of their farming journey. Everyone brings something unique to the committee.”
Who can apply?
All farmers paying a levy on milksolids to DairyNZ and who are members of DairyNZ Inc are eligible to stand for election to the Board of Directors and the Directors’ Remuneration Committee positions. Candidates must be nominated by two DairyNZ levy payers (who are also members of DairyNZ Inc).
Candidate nominations for all three positions must be received by the Returning Officer, electionz.com, by 12 noon on Friday 21 August 2026.
If an election is confirmed, farmer voting will take place during October, with the successful candidates announced on 30 October 2026.
For more information on the nomination process, visit dairynz.co.nz/elections
Media Contact
Kirsten Rose
Senior Corporate Communications Advisor
p: 027 383 6937
e: kirsten.rose@dairynz.co.nz
