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Michael Spaans.
Federated Farmers representatives have described Michael Spaans as a “kauri in the forest” and “an asset to the dairy sector and agriculture” with his extensive governance acumen.
Feds was “extremely saddened” to learn of his death and extends its condolences to the Spaans family.
Vice-president Andrew Hoggard says Spaans was an asset to dairy and agriculture -- “a farmer first and foremost and someone who especially cared about decisions and what they meant onfarm”.
“One enduring memory of Michael is 2013, at the launch of the Sustainable Dairy Water Accord.
“The various signatories were accepting plaques on behalf of their organisations and Michael was representing DairyNZ.
“Seeing PM John Key looking a long way up, dwarfed by Michael, was bloody amusing. When it came to the pictures you could see the PM actually shifting his feet to get on his tip-toes.”
Feds dairy industry chair Chris Lewis describes Spaans as a “kauri in the forest” and a considerate man who showed great leadership.
“I’ve worked with Michael on the Waikato Dairy Leaders Group and first met him five years ago,” says Lewis.
“I recall asking him if he played defence as a basketballer or a lock in the first 15. He probably got asked that question a lot; he’ll be greatly missed.”
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