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Tuesday, 25 November 2025 11:55

Ashburton Farmer Matthew Paton Elected to Ruralco Board

Written by  Staff Reporters
Ruralco Chair, Sir David Carter (centre) with elected Directors, Rhea Booker (left) who has been re-elected for a second term, and new Director, Matthew Paton (right). Ruralco Chair, Sir David Carter (centre) with elected Directors, Rhea Booker (left) who has been re-elected for a second term, and new Director, Matthew Paton (right).

Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.

Paton, a long-time Ruralco shareholder, saw off a challenge from two other candidates - Mid Canterbury farmers, Richard Fitzgerald and Cole Groves. Sitting director Rhea Booker was re-elected for another term.

Paton is appreciative of those who voted for him and thanked the other candidates for standing and helping to create “a real buzz” around the election process.

“I’m looking forward to helping build on the positive result announced today and growing the business in the coming years.”

He says the board is made of up of talented directors and he is looking forward to working with them.

This year’s director election saw a 50% increase on voter returns compared to previous elections in 2021 and 2022.

Ruralco chair Sir David Carter says he’s thrilled that shareholders took such an active part in the vote.

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“It was very pleasing to see such a high calibre of candidates wanting to join the Ruralco board, which is a vote of confidence in what we are doing, and another indicator of the increased support we are seeing from our shareholders,” says Carter.

Booker, a Mid Canterbury chartered accountant, is also in equity partnership of a small dry stock farm and calf rearing operation with her husband James. She has been on the board since 2022 and is the current chair of the audit and risk committee.

Published in Agribusiness

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