Trustees wanted for Dairy Women

The voluntary trustees will work with the other board members to provide strategic advice to the network's members on policies and plans. With its mission to recognise the diversity in experience, knowledge and business of dairying in New Zealand, the board serves a vital role for the Network.

"In order to reflect the diverse needs of our 3000-plus members and to serve the best interests of the Network, it is important that we have a strong and diverse group of trustees. We are actively seeking trustees with backgrounds that will allow our Board to represents all parts of New Zealand and all sizes of dairy farms," says Dairy Women's Network chair, Michelle Wilson.

Wilson says the Network is specifically looking for candidates with skills in education and/or commercial business. She added that previous governance experience, interest in New Zealand agribusiness, and dairying in particular, is also important.

"Joining the Dairy Women's Network Board offers a unique opportunity to contribute to policy and practice to improve the Network and contribute to the dairy industry as a whole," she said.

Board members must commit to three to four one-day meetings per year, one two-day meeting per year and monthly conference call meetings when not held face to face. Although travel expenses to and from board meetings are reimbursed, the positions are voluntary.

The premier forum for women in the New Zealand dairy community, Dairy Women's Network is increasingly seen as an influential group within the dairy industry and across New Zealand agribusiness. Dairy Women's Network is based in Hamilton with 27 regional groups currently operating across the country.

It was established in 1998 with the clear purpose of developing, educating and empowering women to add value to the business of dairying in New Zealand. Women involved in all aspects of the industry have welcomed the professional and personal development and support it offers through activities such as conferences, Dairy Days seminars, regional group meetings, on-line learning and a daily e-digest.

Applications for the Trustee vacancies close April 20, 2012. Further information can be found on the Dairy Women's Network website: www.dwn.co.nz.

The current Charitable Trust Board members are:

Michelle Wilson, Chair (Invercargill)

Cathy Brown, Deputy Chair (Tauranga)

Robyn Clements, Trustee (Te Awamutu)

Angela Fullerton, Trustee (Te Awamutu)

Robyn Judd, Trustee (Oamaru)

Sue Lindsay, Trustee (Queenstown)

Marie Marshall, Trustee (Balclutha)

Chris Stevens, Trustee (Rotorua)