DairyNZ seeks new associate directors

Each year, DairyNZ’s board adds two associate directors – dairy farmers interested in leadership and contributing to dairy sector governance. 

Each associate director is appointed for six board meetings in a non-voting role.

DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel said the directorships enable farmers to contribute to their industry-good body and participate in discussion and debate.

“We introduced the associate director roles in 2013 to achieve greater direct input from our dairy farmers and to enable them to gain experience in how our board operates,” said van der Poel.

“Since then we’ve had nine associate directors who have all been hugely valuable, contributing alongside our eight directors.”

Last year’s associate directors, Cole Groves and Anne-Marie Wells, each joined the board for six meetings.

Wells, of Dunedin, is an owner/operator and director of a 640 cow dairy farm. She and her husband Duncan were the 2015 Dairy Business of the Year supreme winners. She was involved in the Fonterra governance development programme while being an associate director. 

“It provided the opportunity to put my governance learning into practice in a supportive environment, and I contributed to the sector and gained new insights along the way,” said Wells.

“For people interested in governance, getting involved gives you the chance to see high level governance in action.”

Cole Groves, of Ashburton, is in a 450 cow equity partnership. Among several sector roles, he has strong ties to New Zealand Young Farmers. 

“I gained a lot of confidence in my governance ability at a boardroom level, and also got exposure to new policy setting and expanding my networking,” said Groves. 

To apply, send a covering letter and curriculum vitae to: The company secretary, DairyNZ Inc, Private Bag 3221, Hamilton 3240 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..