Institute of Directors award won by Clinton’s William Clarke

Clinton-based director William (Will) Clarke has been named the Otago Southland Branch Emerging Director for 2022.

Clarke is deputy chair and treasurer of Clutha Development Incorporated, a trustee of the Clutha Foundation and a committee member of Pomahaka Water Care Group. His background in governance includes time with Farmlands, Telford Rural Polytechnic and both the Otago and South Otago Aero Clubs.

He is a qualified chartered accountant and managing director of family business Clarke Agri Limited.

The Otago Southland Branch Emerging Director Award was established to foster upcoming talent in governance through mentoring, formal training and access to leading speakers at events across the region.

As winner, Clarke receives complimentary membership of the IoD for 12 months, complimentary attendance at branch functions for 12 months, $1,500 towards IoD professional development and mentoring with an experienced director for 12 months.

In choosing him for this annual award, the selection panel noted the importance of good governance in the agricultural sector to New Zealand’s economy.

“New Zealand has many competitive advantages as a nation, but two of the most important are our world leadership in agribusiness, and the temperate environment that enables that competitive advantage.  New Zealand agribusiness continues this leadership as it collectively addresses its climate change and biodiversity challenges through innovation, without New Zealand as a whole suffering economic and standard of living sacrifice,” said panellist Sarah Ottrey CFInstD. 

Alexandra director Rhys Jenkins was named runner up in the awards. He is a climate adviser, officer and secretary of the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group and a member of the Cromwell and District Community Trust. Jenkins will receive mentoring for 12 months.

“The Otago Southland Branch of the NZ Institute of Directors is proud to recognise two emerging directors in 2022  who represent this joint effort to ensure a resilient future for New Zealand’s land and economy. Congratulations to 2022 winner Will Clarke and runner-up Rhys Jenkins,” Ottrey said. 

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Sonia Yee
Senior Advisor – Communications and Media
Mobile: 022 354 6417
Email:  sonia.yee@iod.org.nz