Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
Maury Leyland, Fonterra's managing director of people, culture and safety, and member of Fonterra's Management Team has resigned for personal reasons.
Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings says: "I want to thank Maury for her significant contribution and commitment to Fonterra over the past 11 years, she has really made a difference to our co-op.
"During this time Maury has been involved in some defining events for our co-op. Highlights include Maury's work on the launch of the Fonterra Shareholders' Fund, working closely with me on the development of our V3 strategy and developing a comprehensive people strategy to deliver to our ambition.
"Maury also stepped up to work closely on the WPC80 precautionary recall as spokesperson and lead of our response. More recently, Maury led our response to the 1080 contamination threat.
"I will miss Maury's support which has been invaluable to me, and on behalf of Fonterra, I wish Maury all the very best for the future.
"The process to appoint Maury's successor is underway," says Spierings.
Leyland's resignation is effective March 31.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
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New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
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