Double DairyNZ election to be hotly contested

Double DairyNZ election to be hotly contested
Tuesday 1 September 2015

Three DairyNZ director positions will be hotly contested over the next month, having drawn in 10 farmer candidates - the most received by the industry body in recent years.

Along with the 10 standing for Board of Director positions, four farmer candidates have put their name forward for three seats on DairyNZ's Directors' Remuneration Committee.

Results from the double election will be announced at the DairyNZ Annual General Meeting in Morrinsville on October 13.

The farmers seeking a four-year term as a DairyNZ director are vying for election following chairman John Luxton and directors Michael Spaans and Ben Allomes retiring by rotation. After 12 years, Mr Luxton is standing down from the board.

The Board of Directors' candidates are:

- Murray Jamieson (Hamilton)

- Steve Hines (Mangakino, Waikato)

- Elaine Cook (Hamilton)

- Grant Wills (Walton, Waikato)

- Ben Allomes (Woodville, Palmerston North)

- Michelle Wilson (Waihi, Waikato)

- Kevin Ferris (Te Awamutu, Waikato)

- Greg Maughan (Marton, Manawatu)

- Michael Spaans (Te Aroha, Waikato)

- Kevin Old (Lincoln, Canterbury).

The second election is for three members of the Directors' Remuneration Committee (DRC), which annually reviews and recommends changes to directors' payments and other benefits.

The four DRC candidates are:

- Chris Lewis (Pukeatua, Waikato)

- David Gasquoine (Matamata, Waikato)

- Gerard Wolvers (Te Awamutu, Waikato)

- Harry Rich (Taupiri, Waikato).
electionz.com returning officer Anthony Morton is encouraging farmers to have their say.

"It's easy to vote and quick to do. Farmer levy payers can vote by the internet, post or fax - or in person at the AGM. These candidates will represent dairy farmers nationwide so it would be great to see a strong turnout of voters," says Anthony.

All dairy farmers who pay a levy on milksolids can vote for their preferred candidates in both elections for the Board of Directors and Directors' Remuneration Committee.

Voting opens when packs, with candidate profiles, are sent to levy paying farmers on September 14.

"If anyone has any queries or doesn't receive their voter pack by the end of September they can contact us at elections@electionz.com

ENDS

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