New Zealand Sign Language Week Highlights Inclusion at Fonterra Clandeboye
Last week marked New Zealand Sign Language Week and a South Canterbury tanker operator is sharing what it's like to be deaf in a busy Fonterra depot.
Fonterra is closing its Kaikoura site with 22 jobs set to go.
Mark Leslie, Director New Zealand Manufacturing, says Fonterra will be discussing the proposal over the coming weeks with the employees, with a decision expected mid-March.
"This is a difficult process for our people and supporting them is our priority as we work through the details," says Leslie.
"We will be discussing all options and opportunities available to our staff around their future employment, as well as providing the support they need to make decisions should the closure go ahead."
Fonterra Kaikoura employs 22 full time staff and typically operates between three to five months a year producing a small volume of specialty cheese. Moving this production to other sites would bring significant cost savings for the business and its 10,500 farmer shareholders.
"The proposal to close the Kaikoura site has not been made lightly and is one intended to help generate cost savings for the benefit of all Fonterra farmer shareholders," says Leslie.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.
Despite difficult trading conditions for European machinery manufacturers brought about conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, alongside the United States imposing punitive tariffs, Italian manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo, has seen turnover increase 12% in 2025 to €390 million (NZ$775m) with a net profit of €11.2 million (NZ$22.3).
New Zealand innovation company Techion, best known for its animal diagnostics platform, FECPAK has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Farmlands to bring independent animal health disease intelligence to its customers.
Zespri says it welcomes the recently signed Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal, describing it as an important step towards supporting growth in the region and for New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.
Troubled milk processor Synlait has lost its third chief executive in five years.
Westgold butter has been named New Zealand's tastiest in a blind tasting conducted by Consumer New Zealand.
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