Taranaki’s Jessie Waite wins governance award

New Zealand Young Farmers Chair Jessie Waite MInstD has received an Emerging Director Award from the Institute of Directors (IoD).

Jessie is a regional partner for OSPRI – working with farmers to keep track of livestock and supporting the TBFree programme. She entered governance three years ago after being shoulder-tapped for Dairy Trust Taranaki and was elected chair of New Zealand Young Farmers earlier this year.

The Taranaki Emerging Director Award was established to foster upcoming talent in governance through mentoring, formal training and practical experience.

As winner, Jessie will receive free membership of the IoD, $2,000 toward professional development and join the Venture Taranaki Trust (VTT) for 12 months.

Jessie says she is looking forward to serving on the Trust and being around people with a completely different array of experiences, in different sectors, with diverse thinking.

“Governance something I definitely want to carry on with and opportunities like this award can help to develop people who are new to governance roles,” she says.

“I really enjoy that strategy piece – looking forward, big picture. You are really able to give back to an organisation or business by helping to make sure it is heading in a proactive and sustainable direction.”

The selection committee said Jessie would add great value to the Venture Taranaki Trust with her industry connections and knowledge, while having the opportunity to broaden her governance experience.

“While Jessie has had three years fledging governance experience, it is niche to the farming industry and the opportunity she has now observing on the VTT board will give her a breadth of industry experience. She will be able to experience the disciplines and characteristics of a high functioning board to further her governance career.” 


For more information, please contact: 

Aaron Watson
IoD communications team
021 144 9016
aaron.watson@iod.org.nz