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New to the Ruralco Board is chartered accountant and farmer Rhea Booker. Originally hailing from Waikato, Rhea’s parents came to New Zealand as immigrants, working their way up the dairy industry ladder from farm workers to farm ownership while raising their six children.

Knowledge, experience, and passion for agriculture are key drivers behind new Ruralco Chair Sir David Carter.

The Acland family is renowned for the energy and breadth of enterprises throughout Canterbury and beyond, and newly elected Ruralco director Kate Acland is bringing even more fizz to the family empire.

In July 2017 Spark announced that it had commenced the development of a nationwide low power Internet of Things (‘IoT’) network. Fast forward 16 months and the traditional telco turned digital services provider has successfully deployed IoT networks that now cover more than 68% of the New Zealand population including coverage in some rural isolated areas of New Zealand.

Helping cardholders maximise farm profits by getting the best deals possible has been helped by Ruralco developing an extensive and strong network of supply companies throughout the country, extending across all aspects of farm business.

Rugby has taught me heaps about how to look after yourself and handle stress. I reckon rugby and farming are similar that way – there’s always pressure to meet targets and achieve results and there’s always stuff you can’t control. For me it might be the ref, in farming it’s the weather.

This year’s annual general meeting was the last for Mark Saunders as he stepped down from his directorship role after six years on the co-operative board. Mark’s term on the board has spanned a period encompassing some of the most significant changes Ruralco has experienced in its 55 year existence, and includes changes that will set it up well for the future.

Strategically and at a governance level the Ruralco co-operative has been unwavering in its focus to become the partner of choice for rural New Zealand. “We are growing with the industry and our purpose is to help drive the industry forward through shared savings, shared innovation and learnings. We are better together, growing the value for our owners,” said Alister.

Aakland Chemicals have been working with Ruralco for just three years but in this short time they have certainly made a massive impact with Cardholders. Words by Niamh McCarthy

An event designed to specifically cater for women is gaining momentum and is set to become a regular feature following the successful staging of the second annual A Night Out with the Girls by Ruralco.