Jim van der Poel was presented with an award for outstanding service to the dairy sector at the National Dairy Industry Awards dinner in Rotorua on Saturday night where he spoke about his passion for the awards programme.

The prestigious Services to the Dairy Industry Award is given out on rare occasions to people who have contributed significantly to the dairy industry, with Tim Mackle last receiving the award in 2023.

An industry giant, Jim was surprised with the award on Saturday evening in front of a crowd of more than 640 dairy farmers and industry representatives.

“I was blown away. I’m very appreciative because it is such a significant award. 

“You don’t do it for the recognition – you do it because you want to help or make a difference.”

Jim accepted the award together with his wife Sue. The pair were alumni winners of the Waikato Sharemilker of the Year in 1987 – which was just before the regional programme became national in 1989.

“I’ve been really lucky with the support I’ve had. Of course, the biggest support has come from Sue and my wider family, but also all the business partners and people I’ve worked with. You do these roles and other people fill in for you or support you, so I’ve been really lucky.”

Jim cited the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards programme as an important part of building the capability of farmers who would eventually stand up to be similar representatives in leadership roles for the industry. 

“I’m a great fan of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards because they celebrate success within the industry. They also recognise and identify really good people coming through and offer learning opportunities for them. 

“When you think of the industry as a whole, there are a lot of co-operatives and they are all owned and governed by farmers. Having people who are growing themselves and being in a position to understand governance to carry the baton on is so important for this industry going forward. It’s been a real strength of this industry and will continue to be.”

New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Trust Chair Paulette Johns presented Jim and Sue with the award, recognising Jim’s outstanding commitment to the dairy sector, including his long-standing governance roles with Fonterra and DairyNZ. 

“Jim is recognised as a distinguished leader across the dairy sector, having made a sustained and influential contribution over more than four decades of farming, governance and national industry leadership,” Paulette said.

Alongside his formal roles as a Fonterra Director and Chair of DairyNZ, Jim has been a farmer and equity partner, using his experience to support innovation, succession, and leadership development across the sector.

“Through mentorship, advice, and innovative business opportunities, he has empowered countless young farmers and has been a staunch supporter of the Dairy Industry Awards throughout.

“He has done this in tandem with Sue, who is in her own right a successful farmer and business partner. We recognise her unwavering support, which no doubt enabled Jim to commit his time to the industry bodies.

“Widely respected for his integrity, cool, calm and pragmatic approach, and commitment to mentorship, Jim’s achievements, impact, and influence represent an enduring legacy of service to New Zealand agriculture.

“On behalf of us all Jim, thank you for your service to dairy.”