Jim van der Poel elected new DairyNZ chair after death of Michael Spaans

New DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel is a dairy farmer from Ngahinapouri and has farming interests in the Waikato, Southland, Canterbury and United States. Photo / Supplied

Waikato dairy farmer Jim van der Poel has been elected the new chairman of industry body DairyNZ. He replaces Michael Spaans, who passed away earlier this week.

Van der Poel said Spaans was a skilled, dedicated and passionate chair for DairyNZ and he planned to continue the vision established for DairyNZ and dairy farmers.

"While I step into this position under sad circumstances, as a board we will continue Michael's good work – his influence will continue as we develop plans for the future of our industry."

Van der Poel said he was keen the industry move ahead under the new industry strategy, Dairy Tomorrow, which was launched this week.

"We are looking toward a more collaborative future and we are starting afresh with an updated industry strategy to guide us forward," he said.

"As a board, we will be closely following progress toward our commitments to ensure New Zealand dairy farming has a sustainable future, while retaining competitive and resilient businesses."

Van der Poel is a dairy farmer from Ngahinapouri and has farming interests in the Waikato, Southland, Canterbury and the United States. He is a former director for Fonterra and New Zealand Co-operative Dairies Ltd.

Acting chair Barry Harris said van der Poel was a strong advocate for dairy farmers and the sector's future.

"Jim is experienced as a dairy farmer and in governance for our sector. He is particularly keen to ensure dairy farmers continue to be competitive and responsible as we address the current challenges around sustainability, securing a skilled workforce and continuing to produce quality products for the world."