Michael Spaans Photo: Supplied
The recent chair of Dairy NZ, Michael Spaans, has died of cancer at the age of 54.
Mr Spaans was a dairy farmer in Waikato and served on both the Dairy Group and Fonterra Shareholders' Councils.
Fonterra chair John Wilson said Mr Spaans brought experience, and a huge level of energy and commitment to the Fonterra Board.
DairyNZ said Mr Spaans has been a valuable member of the DairyNZ board since 2008 and chair for the past two years.
Mr Spaans is survived by his wife Kristina and children Olivia, Logan and Harvey.