Bridging the gap with rural New Zealand
OPINION: One thing I keep hearing from rural New Zealanders is the importance of relationships. Strong relationships don’t just happen - they take trust, consistency, and time.
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.
