New Ballance Director appointed

Andrew Morrison has been elected to the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Board of Directors after the Annual Meeting of the co-operative in Napier last month.

Mr Morrison, aged 46, replaces Te Anau based Owen Buckingham, who retired from his role as South Island Director this year after 12 years of service.

In partnership with other family members, Mr Morrison farms 620 ha in Eastern Southland and 600 ha in South Otago, running sheep, beef and deer.

Mr Morrison said he believes that the establishment and enduring success of a number of key co-operatives has been pivotal to the competitive success of New Zealand agriculture.

“Farmer co-operatives have proved to be crucial to our industry, and I believe that my understanding of on-farm challenges and broader industry involvement will allow me to make a positive contribution to the ongoing success of Ballance.”

Mr Morrison is the current Federated Farmers Southland Provincial Vice President (joint) and Federated Farmers Southland Meat and Fibre Chairman. He is a member of the Pukerau/ Waikaka Valley Parish Property Committee and Morrison Family Partnership Board. He holds a Commerce Degree majoring in Agriculture, and brings 20 years of farming experience to the Board.

Ballance Chairman David Graham said he wishes Mr Buckingham all the best after a significant contribution to the Board over the past decade, and in congratulating Mr Morrison on his appointment welcomed the new perspective he will bring to the Board table as a result of the change.

There were no further changes to the Board, with Raglan-based David Peacocke being re-elected in his Ward for a third term, having first being elected in 2005.