Dairy farmers with a passion for shaping the future of the sector are encouraged to stand for this year’s DairyNZ Board of Director elections. Nominations are now open for two farmer-elected board positions and two roles on the Directors’ Remuneration Committee.

Director election

DairyNZ is seeking candidates for two farmer-elected directors on the DairyNZ Board, who would support the governance of DairyNZ, including the roll out of the new strategy.

Passionate and future-focused farmers are encouraged to consider applying, with ideal candidates having:

• Past experience in setting strategy and governing performance for results.
• A clear understanding of the role and functions of industry good activities.
• Advocacy experience at a sector level.
• Experience in collaboration with Māori stakeholders, including iwi, hapū, and Māori organisations and Māori levy payers.
• Understanding the dynamics of the research or technology sectors.

This year, two farmer director positions are open, with Tracy Brown and Chris Lewis retiring by rotation, and both seeking re-election.

DairyNZ has a governing board of eight directors. Five are farmer-elected and three are independent, professional directors.

Directors’ Remuneration Committee election

An election is also being held for two members of the Directors’ Remuneration Committee (DRC).

Shirley Trumper is seeking re-election, while Ellen Barnett is seeking election this year, as she was appointed by the Board for twelve months to cover a vacancy for the 2024/25 year after no nominations were received last year.

Each year the DRC reviews and makes recommendations to the DairyNZ Board on changes to directors’ remunerations and other benefits. This is to ensure remunerations are at an appropriate level and effectively managed.

The remunerations and benefits recommended by the DRC are put to the members of DairyNZ for approval in their voting packs, prior to the DairyNZ Annual Meeting.