Farmers encouraged to join DairyNZ’s Board
Dairy farmers keen to be part of shaping the dairy sector’s future are encouraged to consider joining DairyNZ’s Board of Directors.
DairyNZ Board chair Jim van der Poel says it’s a challenging but rewarding and important time to be part of the sector and its leadership.
“With exceptionally strong milk prices, dairy continues to play a critical role in New Zealand’s prosperity and overall wellbeing,” says Mr van der Poel. “At the same time, farmers are also facing a number of challenges including rising costs, staff shortages and challenging regulations.
“Our farmers are currently the most sustainable milk producers in the world but also know that to maintain that position they will need to continue to evolve.”
Mr van der Poel says DairyNZ is in a unique position to support dairy farmers with extension and research, and to advocate on behalf of farmers to influence future policy decisions.
“DairyNZ’s Board and staff are passionate about creating a better future for dairy farmers, and we’re looking for farmer candidates who share this focus to join our board.”
DairyNZ’s Board oversees the organisation’s strategy, which is to increase farm profitability while reducing environmental impact, develop future farm systems and solutions, and build the capability of people on-farm. It also focuses on engaging and partnering with farmers and building trust and pride in dairy farming.
Mr van der Poel says ideally candidates would have a strong understanding of farm systems, research, policy and advocacy. Strong commercial, governance and financial skills would also be an advantage, along with good networks in the dairy sector.
Two farmer director positions are open for nomination on DairyNZ’s Board.
DairyNZ’s elected directors hold office for three years. This year, directors Elaine Cook and Tracy Brown are retiring by rotation. Both are standing for re-election.
DairyNZ is also inviting applications from farmers for one position on the Directors’ Remuneration Committee, which independently sets the directors’ fees.
Both the board and the directors’ remuneration roles are open to current levy-paying dairy farmers. Two current levy payers must nominate each candidate.
Nominations must be received by the Returning Officer by 12noon on Monday, September 5, 2022. If an election is required, farmer voting will take place during September and October, with the successful candidates announced at DairyNZ’s Annual General Meeting on October 18 in Invercargill.
More information is available at dairynz.co.nz/agm
Media Contact
Vanessa Feaver
Senior manager - media team
p 027 836 6295
e Vanessa.feaver@dairynz.co.nz