Ensuring diverse representation of skills and backgrounds is long-standing bugbear of board composition. Making sure everyone is not retired accountant, member of the same golf club, or male and over 60 can be challenge.
The latest diversity question to raise its head locally is whether employees should have seat at the board table. The practice is popular in Sweden, Germany and other parts of Europe and is growing in popularity in Asia.
Tim Watkin’s The Director cover story suggests that it’s not concept New Zealand companies are champing at the bit for. Responses are decidedly lukewarm, ranging from questioning confidentiality to the need for stronger management rather than board seats for workers.
But, as the story explains, if it’s happening internationally and Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel is interested in exploring the idea, it may simply be matter of time before the local debate heats up.
Agri experts warn New Zealand’s food and fibre future could arrive by default rather than by design
Management Editorial Team
June 24, 2026
Despite near universal optimism in the rural sector, a panel of New Zealand’s leading food and agri minds say the sector must be intentional about its future path if it’s to successfully navigate the social, economic, environmental and technological forces impacting its operating environment.
