NZDFA Executive Committee and Selection and Appointments Panel, and the Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) Board are open for nominations around February/March each year.
We encourage anyone who would like to be involved in the industry at another level or knows of someone who would be a great representative of the industry, to consider nomination for these roles.
Nominations for the 2026/27 year
NZDFA positions
There are four NZDFA elected positions up for nomination as they become available by rotation (appointment by nomination and election, if necessary). A further elected position is open for nomination due to a mid-term retirement.
The following members are up for re-election or retirement:
- William Oliver (SAP, elected 2024) – intends to seek re-election
- Dave Lawrence (SAP, elected 2024) – intends to seek re-election
- Karen Middelberg (Executive Committee, elected 2024) – not seeking re-election
- Evan Potter (Executive Committee, elected 2024)- intends to seek re-election
- Mark McCoard (Executive Committee, elected 2025) – not seeking re-election
The NZDFA needs leaders to maintain an effective voice for farmers at the industry level, pan-agricultural sector level and with regional and central government so we encourage you to think about any of these positions.
This is a chance to shape the association's future and have a say in the industry as well with all positions responsible for appointing our four producer representatives to the Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) board.
Deer Industry New Zealand – NZDFA appointed board member
The DINZ board guides the actions that DINZ is taking to accelerate the industry recovery and give confidence that we have a sustainable and profitable future.
There is one Producer Representative position vacancy due to retirement by rotation from the DINZ Board:
- Patrick Boyd (DINZ Board Producer Rep, appointed 2023) – intends to seek re-appointment
Nominees will have an opportunity to address the NZDFA AGM in May and will be interviewed in June by the NZDFA SAP to decide on the best candidate.
Interviews for the DINZ board position will be held on Tuesday 9 or Wednesday 10 June (this will be confirmed as soon as possible).
Have your say in the industry’s future and consider a nomination for the Deer Industry New Zealand board.
Nominations must be received at the DINZ office (email: lindsay.fung@deernz.org) by 5pm Friday 3 April 2026.
Nomination forms and further information
2026 Nomination Forms
NZDFA Executive Committee nomination form
SAP nomination form
DINZ Board nomination form
NZDFA AGM
Further information
Nomination forms can be requested from the NZDFA office (phone: 04 473 4500; email: lindsay.fung@deernz.org).
Nominations must be received at the DINZ office (email: lindsay.fung@deernz.org) by 5.00pm Friday, 3 April 2026.
If you would like to indicate your interest, or talk to someone in confidence about these positions, please get in touch with Lindsay Fung on lindsay.fung@deernz.org or 027 333-6551.
If you would like to discuss the positions with a current Executive Committee or SAP member to get an understanding of first-hand experience, please get in touch here.
2025 Results
- NZDFA Executive Committee: Mark McCoard and Tom MacFarlane (elected, 2 year term).
- NZDFA Selection and Appointments Panel: Donald Whyte and Andrew Peters (re-elected, 2 year term).
- DINZ Board: Two producer-appointed vacancies – Hamish Fraser and Simone Hoskin (3 year term).
NZDFA Constitution
Approved at a Special General Meeting on 31 March 2025. Click here to view >>
