AGMARDT is pleased to announce the appointment of Donna Cram and Alastair Rhodes as Trustees.
Alastair Rhodes
Alastair Rhodes is the Chief Executive of BayTrust, a role he has held more than a decade, leading the $280 million Community Trust to become a national leader in sustainable investing. Alastair is also Chair of the BOP Housing Equity Fund and serves on the board of the Emerge Aotearoa Housing Trust.
Prior to his appointment at BayTrust, Alastair held senior executive positions in aviation and consulting. He is a qualified chartered accountant and lawyer and has a legal, commercial and strategic background.
Alastair has a passion for investing locally to help drive positive impact and make Aotearoa a better place for future generations. Having grown up on the NZ Dairy Board farm in the Waikato, where his father was head veterinarian, Alastair feels a strong connection to the New Zealand food and fibre sector and appreciates the critical role it serves for our country’s economic wellbeing.
Donna Cram
Donna Cram is a fourth-generation dairy farmer, second-term Taranaki Regional Councillor, and the founder and chair of Taranaki Catchment Communities. Named the 2023 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, she is known for her leadership, forward-thinking approach, and commitment to the future of the primary sector.
As a member of the National Dairy Environment Leaders advisory committee and contributor to international climate research through Dairy Trust Taranaki, Donna is an environmental leader in the dairy sector. With her husband Philip, she co-owns a 117-hectare dairy farm and leases an additional 64 hectares in South Taranaki, applying strong environmental principles supported by advanced technologies. Their farm has contributed to emissions reduction projects, water efficiency initiatives, and features a 4500m² constructed wetland.
A lifelong learner, Donna has a Bachelor of Business Studies (Accounting), Diploma in Agribusiness Management, and several environmental certificates. She is a graduate of the Agri-Women’s Development Trust’s Escalator and Fonterra governance programmes.
AGMARDT Chair Nick Pyke says he is looking forward to working with the two new Trustees as AGMARDT implements its new strategy to ignite the future of Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. “Donna and Alastair bring exactly the kind of thinking we need as we move into this next chapter,” says Nick.
“Donna understands the value of effective collaboration within the sector from her involvement with catchment groups, and brings a strong understanding of the environmental benefits to agriculture along with strong financial expertise.”
“Alastair’s proven experience in impact investing along with his broad exposure to business will help AGMARDT get where we want to go. We’re moving forward with a Board that will continue to help us think boldly, act strategically, and remain deeply connected to the sector we serve.”
AGMARDT is grateful for the contributions of outgoing Trustees Miriana Stephens and Elaine Cook, who were instrumental in refreshing AGMARDT’s strategy and investment approach, setting AGMARDT on a future path for generations to come. Elaine’s commitment to growing the capability of farming people supported AGMARDT’s strategic commitment to building sector trust and alignment, and ongoing investment in capable and effective leadership.
Miriana’s wide-ranging commercial experience and understanding of export markets, and commitment to transformational work was invaluable during her time as AGMARDT Trustee. Her insights helped shape AGMARDT’s commitment to supporting the growth of Māori agribusiness, and encouraged and supported AGMARDT to develop its first Māori impact strategy – beginning work that will continue to reshape AGMARDT into the future.
“We owe a real debt of gratitude to Miriana and Elaine,” says Nick Pyke. “Elaine’s commitment to building the capability of those working in the primary sector helped Trustee decisions maintain a people focus. Miriana brought an excellent understanding of the value of markets and the need for the right people. She was instrumental in guiding us on a path to be better able to support Māori agribusiness, which will define AGMARDT for years to come.
“We’re extremely grateful to both of them for their significant contributions.”