Fonterra Names Four Independently Assessed Director Candidates
Fonterra Co-operative Group has confirmed the independently assessed candidates standing for election to its board in 2026.
Former Fonterra Co-operative Council chair Simon Couper is making a comeback to a governance role within the co-operative.
The Waipu farmer is one of two farmer shareholders elected unopposed to the co-op’s remuneration committee. The other is Shirley Trumper.
The committee recommends remuneration of Fonterra chair, board members and council members to farmer shareholders.
Couper stepped down as council chair in 2012, unhappy with some aspects of the proposed Trading Among Farmers (TAF), which was later approved by farmer shareholders.
Meanwhile current council chair John Stevenson, Wairarapa ward, is one of four councillors elected unopposed for another term.
The others are Kylie Leonard, Central Plateau, Don Moore, Eastern Southland and Grant Coombes, Waikato West. Andrew Myres is the new councillor for Waipa ward, elected unopposed.
Election is required in two wards; Sue McKay and Cushla Smith will battle it out in Southern Northland while Aleisha Bloomfield and Robert Cookson will contest Piako ward.
Voting starts Tuesday and closes 10.30am on November 7.
Leading figures from the major political parties will be questioned on their primary sector policies at the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton, on 30 September.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says it welcomes the passage of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill, calling the bills a positive step for sheep and beef farmers.
A spate of southerly winds bringing cold temperatures has presented challenges for Taranaki dairy farmers.
Converting a longstanding cropping farm to dairy was the only way to ensure the land stayed in the family long term, says new dairy farmer Rod May.
As the election heats up, Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) has launched its election scorecard designed to help voters wanting to support policies that grow organic and New Zealand's organic sector.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.