Small, nimble and local
Stay local. That's the message Canterbury rural trader Ruralco received from its 3000 shareholders.
Ruralco’s upcoming board election marks an important time for shareholders to have their say on the oversight of the co-operative and how it moves forward, says chair Jessie Chan.
Chan says the election process is essential to ensuring the co-operative has good shareholder engagement.
“As a co-operative, our shareholders own the business, which means it is their business and they need to have a say. This election process determines how all shareholders retain our control of their co-operative,” she says.
“It is important that people engage in the process, both through nominations for directors and through the voting process. We need as many shareholders as possible to vote and exercise their right to have their say,” she says.
Currently, the board is made up of five farmer-elected directors and two independent directors, with the independent directors appointed by the board. All elected directors serve on a three-year rotation.
Chan says she believes there are many talented people within the Ruralco co-operative.
“We have plenty of people who have good governance and business experience, and I am confident we have the talent out there.”
“There is no one single profile which ticks the box, it is about thought diversity – we make better decisions if we think from different angles and that in turn enhances the outcomes for the co-operative,” Chan says.
This year, Chan and Tony Coltman will retire by rotation. Chan has indicated she will not be seeking re-election, while Coltman has indicated he will seek re-election.
Nominations are currently open, and close at 5.30pm Wednesday 12 October 2022. The election will take place at this year’s Annual General Meeting, set to be held on 23 November 2022 in Ashburton.
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: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…