Apply for shares
Owned by farmers, for farmers
We’re a proud New Zealand co-operative, founded and owned by Kiwi farmers and growers.
As farm nutrient and environmental experts, we're at the heart of the food and fibre value chain in Aotearoa, and a natural partner for over 27,000 farmers from Cape to Bluff.
We’re all about helping farmers develop smarter ways of farming that are good for the land, good for your bottom line, and better for future generations.
There are many benefits to joining us as a co-operative shareholder. To sign up formally, you’ll need to be a customer first (see 'Ready to join us?' below), then we’ll organise registration.
Companies Register
If you want more details about Ravensdown and its Ordinary Shares, such as financial statements, please check the offer register. You can ask the Registrar of Financial Service Providers for copies.
You can also find more information on the New Zealand Companies Register.
Types of shareholders and signing guidelines
Make sure you know the name or entity you're applying with to sign the application forms correctly.
As a general rule the person(s) or entity applying for shares should be the same person(s) who owns or leases the farm that requires the products or services offered by Ravensdown.
Here are our guidelines on the types of shareholders, and helpful notes about completing your registration forms once they’ve been sent to you.
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Introduction
When you are applying for shares it is important that you apply under the correct name, or entity, and sign the relevant forms correctly.
As a general rule, the person(s) or entity applying for shares should be the same person(s) who owns, or leases, the farm that requires the products or services offered by Ravensdown.
Depending on what type of applicant you are (i.e. individual / joint applicant, company, partnership, or trust) there are different requirements for the how the form needs to be signed.
In addition, where you are a partnership or trust, you will be required to provide certain additional identification details as explained below.
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Individual
When you apply as an individual, we require you to complete your full legal name (that is the name which is shown on your passport or driver’s licence) and then sign the form.
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Joint
A joint application is where you are applying with one (or more) other person, but together you are not a legal partnership, the directors of a company, or the trustees of a trust.
For example - you may be husband and wife who want to jointly own shares.
Where you make a joint application, each individual must complete their full legal name (that is the name which is shown on your passport or driver's license) and sign the application.
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Company
A company is a separate legal entity which, if incorporated in New Zealand, is registered with the Companies Office.
If you are applying as a company you must complete the correct legal name of the company and sign the form in the manner permitted by the Companies Act, or the company’s constitution.
As a general rule, two directors of a company are required to sign all documents which bind the company (unless it only has one director), but this rule may be varied by the constitution of the company.
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Partnership
A partnership (unlike a company) is not a separate legal entity, but one or more individuals or entities who are associated by a partnership agreement.
Unless the partnership agreement provides otherwise, all of the partners must sign any document which binds the partnership, such as an application form. Each person must complete their full legal name (that is the name which is shown on your passport or driver’s licence) and sign the application. Partners can be individuals or other entities, so must sign according to what entity they are.
In New Zealand there is no register of partnerships. In order to check that all partners have signed the application, we require an up-to-date copy of the partnership deed or that part of the deed which sets out who the partners are and how they can sign.
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Trust
A Trust (unlike a company) is not a separate legal entity but a legal relationship which is created when one person (Settlor), places assets in the hands of another (Trustee) to hold on behalf of someone else (Beneficiary).
The Trustees are the legal owners of the trust property, such as the farm or Ravensdown shares.
Unless the Trust Deed provides otherwise, all of the trustees must sign any document which binds the Trust.
There is no register of trusts in New Zealand. In order to check that all trustees have signed the application, we require an up to-date-copy of the trust deed or that part of the deed which sets out who the trustees are and how they can sign.
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Extra signature space
If more persons need to sign than we have left space for on the form, please just add a blank page to your application, and write the title of the application form and your entity at the top of the form.
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Digital documentation
Ravensdown does not require the original of any signed application forms. We will accept forms which are signed correctly and emailed to us, or even forms which are signed using an electronic signature.
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Privacy
Ravensdown respects your privacy, will take all due care to keep your information confidential, and will only make it available to those people in the organisation who have a genuine business need to view.
We’d love to welcome you onboard or chat further about how the co-operative works and if it’s right for your farm.
To become a shareholder, you’ll need to be a customer first—our teams will talk you through that process.
Call 0800 100 123
Email customer.centre@ravensdown.co.nz
Shareholder FAQs
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What is the minimum shareholding requirement?
The minimum shareholding requirement for Ravensdown is 100 Ordinary Shares, with a nominal value of $1.00 per Ordinary Share. This is the baseline number of shares that all shareholders must hold to meet requirements as outlined in our Product Disclosure Statement.
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Do I have to be a shareholder to order your products?
It’s possible to be customer and not a shareholder.
Customers can access a selection of products and services, while shareholders are part-owners of the co-operative and enjoy additional benefits as outlined above.
To be a customer, you’ll need to complete a credit application and agree to the terms of trade. -
As a shareholder, will I get an annual return?
The offer of ordinary nominal value shares in Ravensdown enables subscribers to become transacting shareholders. Transacting shareholders of Ravensdown may be entitled to rebates paid by Ravensdown from time to time.
Read our Product Disclosure Statement to learn more. -
How do you calculate rebates?
We calculate rebates for shareholders based on the total tonnage of eligible solid fertiliser purchased during the financial year (from 1 June 1 to 31 May). Shareholders receive a combination of shares and cash rebates until they reach their quota, which is currently set at 258 shares per tonne.
However, certain product ranges, such as agrochemicals, lime, and seed, are non-rebateable. -
What are the risks of investing with you?
Like any investment, there are risks associated. Please make sure to read our Product Disclosure Statement in full, and the other documents and resources listed above.
You should also seek advice from a financial adviser to help you make an investment decision.