Nine vying for three spots in Farmlands director elections

Voting is open in this year’s Farmlands director elections and there is a strong southern presence among the South Island candidates.

Nine candidates will contest the three director vacancies this year, with elections required in both the North and South Islands.

The South Island vacancy will be contested by former long-serving Alliance Group director Murray Donald (Winton), former Otago regional councillor Gary Kelliher (Alexandra), accountant Mel Montgomery (Southland), former Federated Farmers national board member David Rose (Southland) and current Alliance Group director Dawn Sangster (Maniototo).

The North Island candidates are Warren Parker, Oliver Saxton, Sue Yerex and incumbent director Nikki Davies-Colley.

In a statement, chairman Lachie Johnstone acknowledged the "significant" contributions of retiring directors Don McFarlane (South Canterbury) and Tony O’Boyle (Wairarapa).

In a new move, the eight shareholder and two independent directors were joined this year by the first Farmlands board observer, Braden Hungerford, of the Bay of Plenty.

The 12-month position was designed to help foster the next generation of primary sector directors, giving them exposure to high level governance.

While observers are unable to vote on co-operative matters, they have full speaking rights.

Voting packs have been posted to shareholders and voting closes on October 31.

In a new move, the eight shareholder and two independent directors were joined this year by the first Farmlands board observer, Braden Hungerford, of the Bay of Plenty.

The 12-month position was designed to help foster the next generation of primary sector directors, giving them exposure to high level governance.

While observers are unable to vote on co-operative matters, they have full speaking rights.

Voting packs have been posted to shareholders and voting closes on October 31.