AUCKLAND, 3 november 2026 – cooperative business nzCooperative Business New Zealand has announced changes to its Board following its 44th Annual General Meeting, including the appointment of a new Chair, two new directors and the re-election of an existing director.
Garry Diack, Chief Executive of Ravensdown, has been appointed Chair, succeeding Mike Brown, who steps down after five years on the Board, including four as Chair.
The organisation also welcomes Simon Burden, Chief Executive of BuildLink, as a newly elected Member Director, and Mike O'Connor, founder of O'Connor Partners, who has been appointed as an Independent Director. Dan Meiklejohn has been re-elected for a further term.
The appointments also mark the departure of Independent Director Simon Tucker.
CBNZ Chief Executive Saya Wahrlich paid tribute to both outgoing directors for their significant contributions to the organisation and the wider cooperative sector.
"Mike has provided exceptional leadership through a period of considerable change and development for Cooperative Business NZ and our members. His commercial experience, sound judgement, and genuine commitment to the cooperative model have been invaluable. We are enormously grateful for the time, expertise and personal commitment he has generously given over the past five years.
"Simon has also made an immense contribution, bringing deep industry knowledge, strategic insight and a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing New Zealand's cooperatives. His thoughtful challenge and willingness to share his expertise have been greatly appreciated. Both directors leave with our deep gratitude and sincere thanks."
Incoming Chair, Garry Diack, brings extensive executive and governance experience to the role, and a passion for cooperatives and their essential place of significance to the New Zealand economic landscape.
Prior to joining Ravensdown, Garry served as CEO of Tait Communications and was Interim CEO at Solid Energy Ltd. He has chaired The Mercer Group, now MHM Automation, General Cable Superconductors and Southsure Assurance Limited. He has also served as a director of Tait Communications, SBS Bank and ATS, now RuralCo.
Earlier in his career, Garry played a role in the industry mergers that led to the formation of Fonterra.
Garry acknowledged Mike Brown, thanking him for the time and commitment he has given to Cooperative Business New Zealand.
"I'd like to acknowledge Mike's outstanding contribution as Chair and thank him for his thoughtful leadership of Cooperative Business New Zealand.
“I'm looking forward to building on the work of the Board and supporting the association as it continues to champion the interests of cooperatives and mutuals across New Zealand."
New Member Director Simon Burden brings valuable experience from the building supplies and retail cooperative sector, while Mike O'Connor contributes specialist expertise in cooperative business structures, capital and financial performance. Dan Meiklejohn's re-election provides continuity and valuable institutional knowledge.
Wahrlich says the refreshed Board brings a strong combination of experience, continuity and new perspectives.
"Cooperatives and mutuals play a significant role in New Zealand's economy. With Garry's leadership and the expertise of our incoming and continuing directors, we are well positioned to strengthen our advocacy, support our members, and help ensure cooperative businesses continue to thrive.”
ENDS
Read more media releases
