Bridging the gap with rural New Zealand
OPINION: One thing I keep hearing from rural New Zealanders is the importance of relationships. Strong relationships don’t just happen - they take trust, consistency, and time.
The former agriculture minister stepped down last week as DairyNZ chairman after an eight-year stint. But he is retaining his other connections with the sector, remaining a director of the Waikato independent milk processor Tatua.
He is also co-chairman of the Waikato River Authority, and chairs the Porirua Farm Ltd partnerships that manage eight farms. He owns a home farm where his son is sharemilking.
Luxton told Rural News it is good to retire from DairyNZ on his own terms. "It's a four-year term and it's time for younger ones to come through."
Luxton says he is leaving "a really good team of directors" to run the industry-good organisation.
About 100 farmers attended the annual meeting, a near-record turnout.
Primary Industry Minister Nathan Guy at the meeting thanked Luxton for uniting the industry. "It hasn't been an easy job at times, to make farmers realise they have to make changes to farming practices."
He says under Luxton's leadership DairyNZ has taken a lead role in improving the industry's environmental credentials.
Luxton served as a National MP for 15 years, including nine years as a cabinet minister and a stint as minister of agriculture.
Guy says the relationship between DairyNZ and the Government has been great under Luxton's leadership.
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle described Luxton as a rock for the organisation. "We look forward to keeping engaged with you since you're not hanging up your boots yet," he says.
The DairyNZ board will meet early next month to appoint a new chairman. Former Fonterra director Jim van der Poel is the frontrunner. Until the new chairman is appointed, former Fonterra executive Barry Harris will be chair.
Meanwhile Waikato farmer Elaine Cook has been elected to the DairyNZ board, replacing Luxton.
Two sitting board members, Ben Allomes and Michael Spaans, were re-elected for another term.
Cook has served as an associate director of DairyNZ; she was the 2006 NZ Sharemilker of the Year and was a finalist in the NZ Dairy Woman of the year award this year.
