B+LNZ has released the results of voting in the Southern South Island director election, as part of 2026 annual meeting processes.
Matt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the B+LNZ Board as a farmer director.
McRae received 5,104 weighted votes. Glen McDonald received 1,552 weighted votes and Simon Davies received 811 weighted votes.
B+LNZ Board Chair Kate Acland congratulated McRae, noting he is currently Chair of B+LNZ’s Southern South Island Farmer Council.
“Matt is already highly engaged with the organisation and I look forward to him bringing new ideas and energy to the Board table.
“I’d also like to thank Glen and Simon for standing for election. It’s heartening to see such a high calibre of candidates put themselves forward.”
Turnout for the director election was 15.95 percent, which is on par with comparable organisations.
Current Southern South Island farmer director Geoffrey Young is retiring at the annual meeting.
“At that time, we’ll formally farewell and thank Geoffrey for his service to the organisation. He has been a strong advocate for sheep and beef farming interests in the deep South and has brought a collaborative approach to Board discussions.”
Results of other voting – Company resolutions to increase director fees and to appoint an auditor – will follow the annual meeting on Wednesday (18 March).
ENDS
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