Jane Smith elected to the Ravensdown board

Smith runs Newhaven Farms, a 9,500 stock unit sheep and beef farm, which includes stud sheep and stud beef operations supplying genetics around New Zealand and abroad.

Her governance experience includes six years as an independent director on the Red Meat Profit Partnership (a $64m programme between agribusiness and government partners focused on driving long-term profits for New Zealand's red meat sector) and a term as a Crown-appointed layperson on the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (the statutory board responsible for regulating the profession).

Smith defeated sitting director Nicky Hyslop and Rebecca Keoghan in a three-way contest.

Bruce Wills, Ravensdown chair, said this year’s election has generated a lot of interest among shareholders, with over 25% of the co-operative's South Island transacting shareholders voting, representing nearly 39% of the shares held by that group.

“With her passion for Ravensdown and knowledge of the wider primary sector, voting shareholders have recognised Jane’s alignment to the co-operative ethos - a core governance attribute,” says Wills.

He also thanked Hyslop, for her service and commitment to the board.

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“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Nicky Hyslop, who has served on the board for the last six years. Her commitment to the co-operative and contribution to the governance of Ravensdown has been highly valued by me and the wider board.”

“Thank you too, to Rebecca Keoghan for her participation in this year’s South Island Director Area election round.

“Throughout the election period, it was heartening to witness each candidate’s genuine interest in the performance and direction of Ravensdown.”

Jacqueline Rowarth was the only candidate nominated for the North Island Director Area. As a result, there was no election for the North Island and Rowarth remains a director for a further three-year term.

Smith will take up office after Ravensdown’s 2025 Annual Meeting at 1pm on Thursday.