With nominations for the DairyNZ Board of Directors opening on 11 August, two sitting farmer directors talk about why they got involved in governance and give tips for those keen to put their names forward and shape the dairy sector.
Inside Dairy
3 min read
Current DairyNZ directors say putting your hand up for the board is a rewarding way to help shape the future of dairy.
Canterbury farmer Cameron Henderson and Levin-based Richard McIntyre both say strong, diverse leadership is essential to ensuring DairyNZ delivers value for levy payers in an increasingly complex and fast-moving industry.
Cameron and his wife Sarah have two young children and milk 750 cows on 240 hectares near Oxford, North Canterbury.
Cameron’s path to the board began with a desire to protect his farm – and his neighbours – from the impact of “misguided” government policies that he says didn’t reflect on-farm realities.
“It grew to try and protect the wider sector, and find options to give dairy farming a future, and present future-focused ideas.”
Before full-time farming, Cameron worked in supply chain strategy at Fonterra and later as a farm systems developer at DairyNZ. He began his governance journey as provincial president for Federated Farmers and advised on regional policy with Environment Canterbury.
Tracy Brown (chair) | 027 291 1716
Cameron Henderson (deputy chair) | 021 113 8895
Jacqueline Rowarth | 027 694 4334
Chris Lewis | 027 289 8942
Richard McIntyre | 021 143 1588
Mary-Anne Macleod | 021 923 332
Mark Todd | 021 271 1328
David Hunt | 021 906 027
For Cameron, good governance is about aligning pragmatic thinking with long-term strategy and making sure levy money is well spent.
“The board is really where the buck stops in terms of strategy and efficient spending and making sure that we’re getting good value,” he says. “That’s why it’s critical to have the right voices, and a variety of voices around the board table to make good decisions.”
He believes farmers often underestimate their readiness to contribute at a board level.
I’ve got so much respect for anyone that says, ‘I think I’ve got something to add’ and puts their name forward.
“When they first get into governance, everyone in the farming space is hesitant and unsure whether they’re prepared. But at some stage, you just have to show a bit of courage and give it a go.”
He describes DairyNZ as a supportive environment for directors, particularly those new to governance, and says the organisation plays a critical role in both advocacy and science for the sector.
“We need great leadership to continue that legacy. The greater the diversity, the stronger the board is.”
North Canterbury farmer Cameron Henderson says practical thinking, long-term strategy and diverse voices are key to good governance.
Richard is a newcomer to the DairyNZ Board, bringing governance experience from Federated Farmers, the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Trust, and the Fish & Game Council.
He and his wife Emma have two teenage children and are herd-owning sharemilkers in Horowhenua. They milk 820 cows across two farms, rear 700 calves, and lease a 180ha drystock farm as they work their way towards farm ownership.
Richard shares Cameron’s views on the value of getting involved. He’s passionate about helping farmers understand the importance of the board’s role in overseeing their industry body.
“As farmers, we commit a significant amount of money each season to our sector body through our levy, and it is there for our benefit,” Richard says.
“Really good governance is vital. But to have that, we need good, keen people to stand for the DairyNZ Board, and competition for positions.
“The dairy sector has a lot of opportunities and challenges ahead, and to best navigate through these, we need a really well-functioning levy body.”
He sees the board role as a rewarding opportunity for those who enjoy governance and are driven to make a positive impact. His motivation to stand came from a desire to give back to a sector that had already given him so much.
“I want to add value, which I find fulfilling, and one of my measures is asking myself if I’ve said something valuable that wouldn’t have been said by someone else.”
He also emphasises the importance of farmers voting.
“I encourage all levy payers to vote for the people they believe would be best to govern DairyNZ on their behalf,” he says.
Richard and Cameron encourage anyone interested in standing for the board to reach out to them or any of the current or previous board members to learn more, even if they don’t feel ready.
“While putting your name forward can feel daunting,” Richard says, “it’s an admirable act.”
“I’ve got so much respect for anyone that says, ‘I think I’ve got something to add’ and puts their name forward. You’ll be supported, and your contribution will matter.”
Nominations close at noon on August 27, 2025. To learn more about the DairyNZ Board and the nomination process, head to dairynz.co.nz/governance
This article was originally published in Inside Dairy August-October 2025.
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