This year one farmer-elected director is being elected to the DairyNZ board, with candidate nominations opening on Tuesday, August 21.

DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel says this year’s election is an opportunity for a dairy farmer to bring their sector experience and strategic thinking to the board table.

“As a director, you are in a unique position to influence and shape the direction of DairyNZ and the dairy sector, and we are keen to tap into some of the talented, skilled and business savvy dairy farmers we have,” says Mr van der Poel.

“We are looking for someone who has the best interests of all New Zealand dairy farmers at heart, and leadership and governance experience.

“Our board works with a broad range of stakeholders, from our dairy farmers through to government and communities, so their people skills and ability to engage with all sorts of people is crucial.”

An interest in the Dairy Tomorrow strategy, broad dairy sector knowledge, strong business skills and some exposure to research and development principles is also preferred.

The DairyNZ board consists of five farmer-elected directors and three board-appointed directors. This year’s farmer-elected director role is currently vacant.

Nominations are also being taken this year for one farmer to join the DairyNZ Directors Remuneration Committee, which considers and recommends remuneration for directors each year.

All farmers paying a levy on milksolids to DairyNZ are eligible to stand for the Board of Directors and the Directors Remuneration Committee.

Candidate nominations will be open August 21-September 14. Voting opens for dairy farmer levy payers on October 1. Election results will be announced at the DairyNZ Annual General Meeting on October 31.

For more information on the nomination process, visit dairynz.co.nz/agm.

Farmer candidates sought for DairyNZ board

Dairy farmers with an interest in being a DairyNZ director are encouraged to apply when nominations open on August 21.

Ideal candidates would have:

• governance experience, ideally in previous director positions, involvement in setting strategy and being accountable for results
• broad dairy sector knowledge and familiarity with farm issues and trends in New Zealand and internationally
• a keen interest in progressing the Dairy Tomorrow strategy
• sound networks and contacts in the dairy sector
• strong commercial skills, financial and strategic expertise.

For more information on the nomination process and key dates, visit dairynz.co.nz/agm.

Media contact

Vanessa Feaver        
DairyNZ senior communications & media specialist
027 836 6295
vanessa.feaver@dairynz.co.nz