Tony O’Boyle elected to SFF board

The result of the election which closed at 3pm on Friday, is:

· Tony O'Boyle – Wairarapa 10,779,693

· Oliver Saxton – North Waikato 8,986,745

· David Shaw – South Otago 8,907,781

· William Oliver – King Country 4,921,728

Chairman Rob Hewett says he is looking forward to working with Tony O'Boyle on the board.

"I extend a warm welcome to Tony. As indicated by the independent assessment of Tony, information that was sent to all voting shareholders, he is clearly very capable, and has come through a strong group of candidates."

Hewett says it is a "particularly interesting" time to be a part of the co-op as they works towards the completion of the 50:50 partnership with Shanghai Maling.

O'Boyle fills the position made available by long-serving Hawke's Bay director Angus Mabin, who retires at the Silver Fern Farms annual meeting on Wednesday.

"I would like to thank Angus for his dedication though his eight years on the Silver Fern Farms Board, and prior to that, the four years he served on our North Island supplier council. He is handing over the reins with our cooperative now in a sound space both financially and strategically.

"His insight into North Island issues following the Richmond purchase helped us with the significant job of rebuilding faith with members of the cooperative and suppliers in the North Island. An important role which I am sure Tony will continue to provide to decision-making around the board."

The vote represents 55.36% of total eligible shares, compared to 68.10% in the previous election in February 2015. The voter return percentage was 23.72% of eligible shareholders, compared to the February return of 30.86%.

Votes were received from 1,183 eligible voters from a total of 4,986 eligible voters.