Nominations are now open for several positions on the nine-member Holstein Friesian NZ Board.
The board governs the running of our vibrant association.
Joining the board is an opportunity to:
- Be at the forefront of developing programmes to advance the Holstein Friesian breed in New Zealand
- Support the breeding of genetically elite cattle
- Expand your knowledge of the Holstein Friesian breed and the dairy sector
- Grow your governance skills
- Bring fresh ideas to ensure Holstein Friesians remain the country’s dairy breed of choice
Nominations are being sought from passionate Holstein Friesian breeders across New Zealand. Nominations are encouraged even if a current board member is seeking re-election.
In 2026 nominations are open for three positions as follows, by rotation or resignation. Under the new constitution Ward Director positions will now be filled across each island.
For the North Island Ward there is a total of 4 Ward Director positions, One Ward Director must be from the upper half of the North Island (previously Wards 1,2 & 3), and one Ward Director must be from the lower half of the North Island (previously Wards 4 & 5). The remaining 2 Ward Directors can come from anywhere in the North Island. The North Island Ward Directors are currently:
- Rachel Alexander – Upper North Island, term current
- Annabelle Scherer – Upper North Island, term complete, available for nomination
- Bradley Parkes – Lower North Island, term current
- Kelly Powell – Lower North Island, term complete, not available for nomination
There are currently two vacancies in the North Island Ward, with the requirements for the upper and lower North Island Ward fulfilled, the two candidates can come from anywhere in the North Island.
Annebelle Scherer is available for re-nomination. Kelly Powell is not available for re-nomination.
In the South Island Ward there is a total of 3 Ward Director positions. One Ward Director must come from the upper South Island (previously Wards 6 & 7), and one Ward Director must come from the lower South Island (previously Ward 8). The remaining Ward Director can come from anywhere in the South Island. The South Island Ward Directors are currently:
- Graham Stewart – Upper South Island, term current
- Peter Sherriff – Upper South Island, term current
- Vacancy – Lower South Island
There is currently one vacancy in the South Island, and the candidate must come from the lower South Island.
Nominations close at 12.00pm on 31 March 2025.
Nomination forms can be downloaded by clicking the links here:
Nominations must be emailed, or posted, to the general manager of Holstein Friesian NZ Cherilyn Watson at cherilyn.watson@nzhfa.org.nz
For further information about the role, please don’t hesitate to contact any of the current HFNZ Board directors or the general manager. Their details can be found in the back of the nzholstein magazine.
The board governs the running of Holstein Friesian NZ, which is a member-based association. The association has six staff and its work includes offering cattle registration and classification services, running the LIC-sponsored Discovery Project which is designed to help provide Holstein Friesian bulls for the AB industry, and overseeing a joint sire proving scheme with CRV for young bulls bred by members. Board members provide future direction to ensure the association remains at the forefront of developing programmes to advance the Holstein Friesian breed in New Zealand. Directors also play a vital role in passing information between members and the national office.
The Holstein Friesian NZ Board meets face-to-face three times a year, and twice using online video conferencing.
The Board meeting dates for the next 12 months have been set as follows:
- Full Board & Committees 16-19 March 2026
- Full Board 20-21 June 2026 (at Conference)
- Full Board 22 June 2026 (following AGM)
- Full Board 8 July 2026 – via Teams
- Full Board 6 October 2026 – via Teams
- Full Board & Committees 7-10 December 2026
The president and board members are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while carrying out their duties. They also receive a director’s fee, as approved by the members at the Annual Meeting.
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