Wednesday, 23 October 2024 10:36

McIntyre elected to DairyNZ board

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Feds dairy section chair Richard McIntyre was voted in by farmers at DairyNZ’s annual meeting in Christchurch yesterday. Feds dairy section chair Richard McIntyre was voted in by farmers at DairyNZ’s annual meeting in Christchurch yesterday.

A second Federated Farmers executive has been elected to the DairyNZ board.

Feds dairy section chair Richard McIntyre was voted in by farmers at DairyNZ’s annual meeting in Christchurch yesterday. He joins former Feds dairy chair Chris Lewis, who was voted in two years ago.

McIntyre replaces Jim van der Poel, who stepped down as DairyNZ chair and a board member at the AGM. Sitting director Jacqueline Rowarth was re-elected for another three-year term.

DairyNZ chair-elect, Tracy Brown congratulated McIntyre and Rowarth.

“I am excited to have Jacqueline and Richard on the Board and to work alongside them. They are committed dairy leaders who will play an important role in supporting the progress of DairyNZ and dairy farming in New Zealand,” Brown says.

“Thank you to all who put their name forward, and those who voted and took the time to have their say in the future of our industry.”

Brown says a highlight of the AGM was guest speaker Professor Grant Edwards, Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln University.


Read More


“We heard about how Lincoln University’s science and demonstration supports the dairy sector, and how the dairy sector supports New Zealand,” she says.

“Jim (van der Poel) gave a summary of the past year and acknowledged that when faced with a relentless series of challenges, it’s easy to lose sight of the good. Those good things include DairyNZ’s history of investing in research, extension, resources and solutions as they support our on-farm decision making.

“To ensure financial sustainability, he shared that DairyNZ will consult on lifting the farmer levy investment, with that consultation occurring early next year with levy-payers. This was signalled early for transparency.”

The AGM highlighted key areas where DairyNZ will continue to deliver value for levy-payers, including through the reducing GHG emissions programme, providing credible evidence to support farm profitability, along with stepping up New Zealand’s rate of genetic gain. 

All resolutions were approved, including having David Hunt officially ratified as an independent director, while it was announced that Ellen Barlett will fill the vacancy on the directors’ remuneration committee for a 12-month term given no formal nominations.

The evening ended with DairyNZ and others across the sector and country formally thanking van der Poel for a quarter century of leadership within both DairyNZ, and the wider dairy sector. A video tribute was played which included messages from Sir Dryden Spring, Dame Jacinda Ardern and Barbara Kuriger. 

“We wanted to acknowledge Jim’s tremendous contribution to the sector on behalf of the dairy farmers of New Zealand,” says Brown. 

“He has been involved in supporting the sector through the Mycoplasma bovis biosecurity incursion, changes in Government and environmental policy change. Despite the challenges, Jim showed time and time again he was a strong leader for dairy and advocated for the best outcomes for farmers.”

Van der Poel says that he was grateful for the part he has played in the sector over the years. 

“It has been my privilege to not only lead within our sector, but to serve beside fellow dairy farmers.

“Together I feel we have always done what is right rather than what is easy and that is why we continue to be a world-leading dairy nation and a huge contributor to the wellbeing of this country.”

DairyNZ’s board of directors is made up of five farmer-elected and three independent directors. 

More like this

Gut feeling or common sense

OPINION: Land use change is to the fore (again) because of headlines indicating the potential for growing rice, expansion of dairying in some regions, and ongoing concerns about carbon farming.

DairyNZ plantain trials cut nitrate leaching by 26%

DairyNZ says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.

Featured

Editorial: A new era for two co-ops

OPINION: Farmer shareholders of two of New Zealand's largest co-operatives have an important decision to make this month and what they decide could change the landscape of the dairy and meat sectors in New Zealand.

South Taranaki rural health hub boosts workforce

As the first of a new series of interprofessional rural training hubs opened in South Taranaki late September, Rural Health Network has celebrated the move as a "key pathway to encourage the growth and retention of health professionals in rural areas".

National

Machinery & Products

Disc mower range gets upgrade

Kuhn has announced an expansion of its range of disc mowers, distributed by Norwood in New Zealand, with the addition…

Tech might take time

Agritech Unleashed – a one-day event held recently at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton – focused on technology as an ‘enabler’…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter