Candidates vying for seats
Nine candidates are vying for the Farmlands director elections, with former long-standing Alliance Group director Murray Donald among them.
There are three director vacancies this year, with elections needed for the North and South Islands.
The South Island vacancy is being contested by Donald, Southland accountant Mel Montgomery, former Federated Farmers national board member David Rose, former Otago regional councillor Gary Kelliher and Dawn Sangster, a Maniototo-based Alliance Group director.
Retiring by rotation are Tony O’Boyle and Nikki Davies-Colley (North Island) and Don McFarlane (South Island).
Davies-Colley advised she was available for re-election, while O’Boyle and McFarlane have taken the opportunity to retire from the board, after seven and 20 years of service respectively.
Donald, a second-generation Waianiwa farmer, is a staunch advocate of co-operatives, as a director of Farmers Mutual Group (FMG) Insurance and Alliance Group.
‘‘There are some good candidates out there, there’s no doubt about that, but what I bring to the table is a package deal and experience.
‘‘The right candidate is important – shareholders deserve people who not only represent farmers’ interests, but also have lengthy and relevant experience in similar roles.’’
A sheep and beef farmer based in central Southland, Donald has his finger on the pulse when it comes to challenges faced by the primary industry.
‘‘What I bring to the table is a balance between solid governance experience and being an everyday farmer. I’m approachable, have my ear to the ground and I’m genuinely invested in the growth and sustainability of our farmers.’’
Looking to the future of Farmlands, Donald is committed to seeing it become connected to its shareholders, rather than just in contact with them.
‘‘The foundation of any good business is trust and open communication, both internal and external.
‘‘I’d really like to see Farmlands be proactive, nimble and innovative to meet shareholder needs in a timely manner,’’ he said.
During his directorship at FMG, he was part of the business’ culture shift, renewing enthusiasm within staff and providing a closer connection with customers.
Sangster, a sheep and beef farmer, was elected to the Alliance board as a supplier representative in 2011.
She said Farmlands had more work to do to realise the benefits of its merger with CRT in 2013.
‘‘The recent rationalisation of some parts of the business and this year’s return to profitability are steps in the right direction.’’
Areas for improvement included training and support for staff in sales and technical excellence and leading change in the digital retail age.
Sangster also wanted to see Farmlands work harder to understand shareholders needs and earn their support and trust.
‘‘As farmers, we need to engage with our agricultural cooperatives and strengthen them,’’ she said
‘‘Farmlands is not just about shops. When it began in the 1960s, it aimed to use collective strength and scale to source competitivelypriced farm products. We owe it to those who have gone before us to hold true to their vision and expect more.’’
The North Island candidates are Warren Parker, Oliver Saxton, Sue Yerex and incumbent director Nikki Davies-Colley.
Voting packs have been posted to shareholders and voting closes on October 31.