DairyNZ chief bids farewell after significant tenure

After 15 years as chief executive of DairyNZ,

Tim Mackle has decided to step down.

] by Kent caddick

Mackle, who will finish his tenure on June 30, said he feels extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to lead and help develop DairyNZ’s solutions and services on behalf of its farmer members, right from the levy body’s formation in 2007-08, to today.

“After a lot of thought and discussion with family, I have decided to step down at the end of June which will allow the Board time to have a smooth transition and to recruit my successor,’ Mackel said.

“I am proud to have had the opportunity to lead DairyNZ over this period, the dynamism and constant challenge and change in our sector has made it an exciting and purposeful role.

“I’m also hugely proud of the role that New Zealand dairy has played, not only to help nourish so many people all over world, but to support New Zealand through some tough times, with dairy exports proving vital through the 2008/09 global recession and recently through the challenge of Covid-19.”

He said another highlight for him was the tremendous progress farmers have made around sustainability practices, particularly over the last 10-15 years.

“There’s always going to be a need to keep doing better on farms, but it’s important we do acknowledge the progress made by our farmers and sector as a whole.”

DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel said Tim has always been hugely passionate about helping dairy farmers navigate challenges they have faced and continue to face.

“We’re fortunate to have had Tim at DairyNZ through many challenging periods. Tim has played a key role in developing the R&D programme and the development of our science-based policy and advocacy function. He has been a strong leader and advocate for dairy. Tim is a values-driven leader and has built strong relationships with all those he has engaged with.

“I also wish to acknowledge Tim’s leadership and contribution to the wider dairy and primary sectors, through his influence on various boards, steering groups, and committees,” van der Poel said.

“Tim has always been a strong, passionate CE and he’s built a strong people culture at DairyNZ, with a highly engaged, capable and purpose-driven team.

“That puts us at DairyNZ in a great position to continue to deliver more for farmers and New Zealand.”

Federated Farmers President Andrew Hoggard said Tim led DairyNZ through a period of immense industry growth that saw the sector become New Zealand’s biggest export earner and a vital industry.

Farewell: DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle is stepping down after 15 years in the job.

“DairyNZ, under Tim’s leadership, has supported farmers to improve environmental performance and adjust to increasing regulatory compliance,” Hoggard said.

“Tim has always been a pleasure to work with, he is well liked and well respected for his collaborative and positive approach to work.”