Rewarding farmers who embrace sustainability
Winners of DairyNZ’s Sustainability and Stewardship awards in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards have their eyes firmly fixed on progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy.
This year's DairyNZ director elections has attracted 10 candidates, the most in recent years.
Voting opens on September 14 for the three director seats; results will be announced at DairyNZ’s annual meeting in Morrinsville on October 13.
The field includes two sitting directors: Michael Spaans and Ben Allomes, who are retiring by rotation; a director serves a four-year term before re-election. The third director and DairyNZ chairman John Luxton is stepping down from the board after 12 years.
The other candidates are Murray Jamieson (Hamilton), Steve Hines (Mangakino, Waikato), Elaine Cook (Hamilton), Grant Wills (Walton, Waikato), Michelle Wilson (Waihi, Waikato), Kevin Ferris (Te Awamutu, Waikato), Greg Maughan (Marton, Manawatu) and Kevin Old (Lincoln, Canterbury).
The greatest number of candidates in a DairyNZ director election was 14 in 2009; last year there were five.
Meanwhile four farmer candidates have put their name forward for three seats on DairyNZ’s directors’ remuneration committee. They are Federated Farmers Waikato president Chris Lewis (Pukeatua, Waikato), David Gasquoine (Matamata, Waikato), Gerard Wolvers (Te Awamutu, Waikato) and Harry Rich (Taupiri, Waikato).
Returning officer Anthony Morton, electionz.com, is encouraging farmers to have their say.
“It’s easy to vote and quick to do. Farmer levy payers can vote by the internet, post or fax – or in person at the AGM. These candidates will represent dairy farmers nationwide so it would be great to see a strong turnout of voters,” says Morton.
All dairy farmers who pay a levy on milksolids can vote for their preferred candidates in both elections for the board and the directors’ remuneration committee.
Voting opens when packs, with candidate profiles, are sent to levy paying farmers on September 14.
“If anyone has any queries or doesn’t receive their voter pack by the end of September they can contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 0800 666 030,” says Morton.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.