Board Director | Southern Dairy Hub

The Southern Dairy Hub (SDH) is a dairy research farm formed by Dairy NZ, Ag Research (now the Bioeconomy Science Institute) and a group of southern dairy farmers (who are collectively known as The Southern Dairy Development Trust).
The Hub was created to deliver value‑add for the southern dairy sector through best‑in‑class research and demonstration.
Located just 15 minutes from Invercargill, this 349‑hectare property operates under the oversight of a capable on‑farm management team, with a General Manager reporting to a Board of five Directors.
The Opportunity
We are seeking to appoint an independent Director with appropriate experience to replace a member of the Board who will be retiring at the year end.
Responsibilities
Provide strategic governance oversight of the Hub's operations and the strategy.
Contribute to discussions relating to both the oversight of commercial activities on the farm, as well as supporting management in their delivery of value‑adding research and demonstration projects.
Support the General Manager in achieving organisational objectives.
Ensure the Hub operates in accordance with good governance principles and all relevant legislation.
Keep abreast of the key issues faced by the sector and the wider agricultural community.
Support the Hub’s mission to deliver world‑class dairy research outcomes.
Experience
Governance expertise:
Proven governance experience within small enterprise.
An understanding of best practice in governance / a Director’s responsibilities.
Sound commercial judgement and the ability to contribute to strategic decision making.
Agricultural background / Research experience:
Agribusiness background with an affinity for dairy farming.
An understanding of pastoral farming systems and the opportunities / challenges presented by different business models.
An insight / understanding of the challenges facing the dairy sector in the south.
Required skills and attributes
Community Connection: Strong connection and standing within the southern farming community would be advantageous.
Technical Knowledge: Experience / understanding of the potential contribution created by new agricultural technologies.
An understanding of best practice in the southern dairy environment.
Collaboration: An approach to governance that embodies teamwork and collaboration.
Communication: Experience and confidence in communicating with diverse audiences.
Regional Presence: Connections to, or residence in, the Southland or Otago regions would be an advantage.
Board commitment
Meeting Frequency: Monthly board meetings (11 times per year)
Format: Alternating between on‑site meetings at the Hub, 15 mins from Invercargill and video conferencing.
Remuneration: This is a remunerated appointment.
Term: Three years with the opportunity to serve three terms.
How to Apply
If you have the required skills, experience, and passion for this important role, we would like to hear from you.
To apply in strict confidence, please submit a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and your current CV.
Applications and any questions, should in the first instance be submitted to: admin@southerndairyhub.co.nz
Closing Date: 30 November 2025
Date Posted: 2025-11-12
Job Details
Category: Dairy Location: Invercargill
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