Farmer wanted for DairyNZ board

Dairy farmers with governance and leadership experience, and a keen eye on the sector’s future, are encouraged to consider a role on DairyNZ’s board of directors.

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 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 Tomorrowstrategy, 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.