Science coming second in water decisions
Emotions and values now come first in water quality assessment and science comes second, says a water quality specialist with DairyNZ, Tom Stephens.
The five farmers seeking a four year term as a DairyNZ director are: Donna Smit (Whakatane, Bay of Plenty); Murray Jamieson (Okaihau, Northland); Greg Maughan (Marton, Manawatu); Jim van der Poel (Ohaupo, Waikato) and Dirk Sieling (Whitianga, Waikato).
The election follows the resignation of Taranaki farmer Barbara Kuriger, who is standing down from the board to dedicate herself to her new role as the National Party candidate for the Taranaki-King Country electorate in the September General Election.
Voting in the director election will open on September 16 when voter packs go out and results will be announced at DairyNZ's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday October 16 in Timaru.
Returning officer, Warwick Lampp of electionz, is encouraging farmers to have their say.
"You can vote via the internet, post or by fax – or in person at the AGM. It's quick and easy. It would be great to see a strong voter turnout this time. Generally the turnout for DairyNZ director elections average around 20% and yet for this year's milksolids levy vote we got a 60% turnout. Hopefully, for this election, farmers' awareness of how easy it is to vote should be higher because we've just had the levy vote in May," he says.
"If anyone has any queries or doesn't receive their voter pack by the end of September."
