In a recent board meeting following the DairyNZ Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on October 11, the elected board members gathered to follow protocol and select the Chair.
DairyNZ is delighted to announce that Jim van der Poel has been re-elected to this crucial position, they announced in a press release on Wednesday.
The DairyNZ board comprises five directors elected by farmers, supplemented by three board-appointed directors. Jim van der Poel’s re-election emphasises the confidence and trust the board members place in his leadership.
DairyNZ, a leading organisation in the dairy industry, is committed to promoting and supporting dairy farming in New Zealand. The re-appointment of Jim van der Poel as the Chairperson reaffirms the organisation’s dedication to continuity and strong leadership.
As the dairy sector continues to play a vital role in the country’s economy, DairyNZ remains focused on its mission to drive sustainability, innovation, and growth within the industry.
Van der Poel's experience and expertise will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the realisation of these goals.
First elected in October 2014, DairyNZ Chairman Jim van der Poel has consistently proven his mettle as a leader in New Zealand's dairy industry.
His journey in the industry began in 2002 when he was elected onto the Fonterra board, a position he held until 2014. During this time, he also served on the board of New Zealand Co-operative Dairies Ltd, showcasing his multifaceted expertise. Notably, in 2000, van der Poel was appointed to the foundation board of DairyNZ’s predecessor organization, Dexcel.
His dedication saw him elected as Dexcel’s chairman in 2003, marking the start of his influential tenure.
Van der Poel's association with DairyNZ commenced in 2007 when he became a farmer-elected director on its inaugural board. Even after stepping down in 2009, his passion for the industry persisted. He was re-elected to the DairyNZ board in 2013, a testament to his enduring commitment.
Beyond his boardroom roles, van der Poel’s accolades speak volumes. He was an inaugural director of the Fonterra Shareholders Fund and received prestigious industry awards, including the AC Cameron Award, the 2002 Nuffield Scholarship, Sharemilker of the Year, and the Dairy Exporter Primary Performer Award.
Van der Poel and his wife Sue, who reside in Ngahinapouri in the Waikato region, have farming interests across New Zealand, including Waikato, Southland, and Canterbury, as well as in the United States.
