Cooperative Business NZ announces re-election of Member Directors and welcomes new board appointment
Auckland, 19 August 2025 – Cooperative Business NZ [CBNZ] Cooperative Business New Zealand is pleased to announce the results of its recent election for Member Directors.
Three vacancies were available this year, with Garry Diack and Mike Brown retiring by rotation and standing for re-election. Both have been successfully re-elected by members, and we are thrilled to welcome Bridget Service to the Board as a newly elected Member Director.
These appointments bring both continuity and fresh perspectives to Cooperative Business NZ as the organisation continues to advocate for cooperatives, mutuals, and member-owned businesses across New Zealand.
Mike Brown, CEO of Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative, has served as a director of Cooperative Business NZ for four years, including three years as Chair. He brings deep experience from leadership roles of SMEs in the primary production, food, and beverage sectors, alongside strong governance expertise.
Garry Diack, CEO of Ravensdown, is an experienced senior executive and governor with more than 35 years of leadership across industries including agriculture, technology, mining, media, and financial services. He brings extensive skills in corporate strategy, transformation, and governance, having held a range of director and chair roles with both cooperatives and listed companies.
Bridget Service joins the Board for the first time. Currently Head of Government Relations at Foodstuffs New Zealand, Bridget has a wealth of experience in public policy, stakeholder engagement, and cooperative leadership, having previously held senior roles with Fonterra and in Parliament. Her appointment ensures strong representation from the retail cooperative sector and adds valuable expertise in government relations and advocacy.
Cooperatives are a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy and communities, generating billions in revenue annually, spanning multiple sectors from food and fibre to finance, retail, housing, and health. Cooperatives are uniquely structured to deliver sustainable value for members while investing back into our communities.
“As 2025 marks the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives, the breadth of experience across our Board is a real strength,” says Cooperative Business NZ CEO, Saya Wahrlich. “With Bridget joining Garry and Mike, we are well-positioned to highlight the impact of cooperatives and mutuals. We advocate strongly on behalf of our members and celebrate the role these businesses play in building resilient communities and a sustainable economy.”
Alongside these appointments, Nicola Shadbolt, Simon Tucker, and Dan Meiklejohn will be continuing their terms as directors, while Ashleigh Buchanan is a Board Observer. This combination of experienced governance and fresh perspectives reflects the strength and diversity of leadership within the cooperative sector.
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