Ex-Feds dairy boss makes it 3-way battle for DairyNZ board seats

The Waikato farmer will take on sitting directors Tracy Brown, Waikato and Elaine Cook, Bay of Plenty, both retiring by rotation and seeking re-election.

Voting starts September 19 and ends on October 17. Results will be announced at DairyNZ's annual meeting in Invercargill the next day.

Lewis, who milks 970 cows at Pukeatua, believes he will bring a farmer's perspective to the board.

Lewis stepped down from Feds in July after a 17-year stint, which included chairing the dairy section and serving on the national board as the immigration spokesman.

"During my time farming I have worked to improve the outcomes for farmers by being involved in the issues at the coal face," Lewis says.

"This is my primary reason for seeking election as a DairyNZ director."

Brown, who was first elected in 2019, says she brings strategic experience from various roles including the working group that developed Dairy Tomorrow.

"The current pace of change means we need sensible, strong and collaborative leadership."

Cook says she's proud to be a dairy farmer and excited about the opportunities ahead.

"When I first stood for election, my focus was to make it easier for farmers to attract and retain better people. I want to continue as we are not finished.

"Two years ago, I listened and agreed that DairyNZ had become disconnected from our farmers. We needed to listen, collaborate with farmers, and ensure you see value on your farm from the levy. With out farmers we have completed the design phase of a new approach. This now needs to be executed and DairyNZ must deliver this new expectation."

Electionz.com returning officer Anthony Morton is encouraging dairy farmers to have their say by voting for the candidates they believe can make the best contribution to DairyNZ’s board.

Levy payers will receive their voter information pack via email on September 19.

DairyNZ’s board consists of five farmerelected directors and three board-appointed directors. Appointees serve a term of three years, with directors retiring by rotation.