DairyNZ calls for director nominations

One of the two sitting directors, Ben Allomes, is retiring after eight years. The second director, Elaine Cook, is seeking re-election.

DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel says dairy farmers who are strategic thinkers, future focused and experienced in governance and leadership should consider standing.

“Farmer elected directors play a key role on DairyNZ’s board and we are keen to have skilled, forward thinking dairy leaders join our team.

“We want people who understand farm systems, R&D, policy and advocacy. Candidates should understand and be interested in driving ‘Dairy Tomorrow’ and so need a vision of the future for dairy.”

Candidates must have the best interests of all New Zealand dairy farmers at heart, says van der Poel. They will need broad dairy sector knowledge, strong business skills and exposure to R&D principles.

Nominations are also open for a farmer to join the DairyNZ directors remuneration committee which annually recommends directors’ pay.

All farmers paying a levy on milksolids to DairyNZ are eligible for either of the two directorships. 

Nominations are open until September 5. 

Voting opens for dairy farmer levy payers on September 23 and election results will be announced at the DairyNZ annual general meeting in Hamilton on October 22.