Ruralco Director Election Results
Ruralco Shareholder voter turn-out was substantially up on previous elections following the co-operatives 62nd Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 18 November 2025 at the Hotel Ashburton.
Four candidates were nominated for two Director vacancies on the Board, with a 50% increase on voter returns compared to the previous elections in 2021 and 2022.
“I am thrilled that Shareholders took such an active part in selecting their representation on the Board,” says Ruralco Chair, Sir David Carter.
Current Director, Rhea Booker retired by rotation (as per the Society’s constitution) and sought re-election, with Mid Canterbury farmers, Richard Fitzgerald, Cole Groves, and Matthew Paton also seeking election to fill the vacancy on the Board created by Tony Coltman’s resignation in February this year.
Rhea Booker was successfully re-elected, and Matthew Paton has been elected filling the second vacancy.
“It was very pleasing to see such a high calibre of candidates wanting to join the Ruralco Board, which is a vote of confidence in what we are doing, and another indicator of the increased support we are seeing from our Shareholders,” says Sir David Carter.
Rhea Booker, a Mid Canterbury chartered accountant is also in equity partnership with her husband, James, of a small dry stock farm and calf rearing operation. She has been on the Board since 2022 and is the current chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. “I’m really appreciative of those who voted for me, and I am looking forward to the next three years and continuing to entrench our vision.”
Matthew Paton is a Wakanui based cropping and dairy farmer and long-time Ruralco Shareholder. He was also appreciative of those who voted for him and thanked the other candidates for standing and helping to create a real buzz around the election process.
“I’m looking forward to helping build on the positive result announced today and growing the business in the coming years.” He says the Board is made of up of talented Directors and he is looking forward to working with them.
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