OSPRI writes off $17m over botched traceability system
Animal disease management agency OSPRI has written off nearly $17 million after a botched attempt to launch a new integrated animal disease management and traceability system.
Whakatane dairy farmer Bridie Virbickas says her stint as an associate director on the DairyNZ board was very helpful.
It’s an opportunity she is grateful for, following her previous governance training and courses.
“The DairyNZ board was incredibly welcoming, and they genuinely appreciate the unique perspectives and insights I brought to the table,” says Virbickas.
“It helped expand the knowledge I had gained through training, while showing how a board operates, and the unique perspectives and knowledge that both farmer and independent directors bring to meetings.
“I strongly encourage others with an interest and some governance experience or training to apply. It is a great opportunity to apply your knowledge and explore the opportunities available to you.”
Her comments come as DairyNZ invites farmers to apply for associate director opportunity.
DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel encourages farmers with an interest in leadership and governance to apply.
“This opportunity allows farmers to actively contribute to important conversations on the board, while bringing fresh perspectives and thinking to our discussions, and helping make a positive impact on the sector,” says van der Poel.
“Being an associate director for a sector organisation is a unique opportunity, where you are encouraged to actively engage with our sitting directors, while gaining from their expertise in a governance setting and seeing what we work across.
“Since starting the associate directors programme, we have seen many of those farmers gain other board roles, either at DairyNZ or other key organisations, and it is exciting to see what this opportunity can lead to.”
DairyNZ says it has an important role in representing New Zealand dairy farmers, and supporting them through a range of research, development, advocacy and extension activities.
Since associate director roles were introduced in 2013, 13 dairy farmers have contributed to board discussions, alongside the eight sitting directors.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will be fronting farmers at three large public meetings organised by Federated Farmers over the coming weeks.
Federated Farmers and a major Australian-owned bank are at loggerheads over emissions reduction targets set for New Zealand farmer clients.
More locally grown tomatoes are coming to stores this month and you can thank New Zealand greenhouses for that.
Changing skill demands and new job opportunities in the primary sector have prompted Massey University to create a new degree course and add a significant major into another in 2025.
It was bringing in a new Canterbury A&P Association (CAPA) show board, more in tune with the CAPA general committee, that has ensured that Christchurch will have a show this year, says CAPA general committee president Bryce Murray.
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