Friday, 04 March 2022 09:28

Fonterra under fire over diversity!

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Fonterra has found itself in hot water on Twitter over the diversity of its speakers on an International Women's Day panel event. Fonterra has found itself in hot water on Twitter over the diversity of its speakers on an International Women's Day panel event.

Fonterra is facing the heat from social media users after planning to hold an International Women’s Day panel with only male speakers.

The panel will be talking on "breaking the bias".

Since the photo of the line-up of the male speakers was posted on twitter, the co-operative has been facing a barrage of criticisms.

One tweet says the event “reminds me of the time when Muller (former Opposition leader Todd Muller) introduced his new front bench and the only Maori on it were Simon Bridges and Paula Bennett”.

Another tweet claimed that it seems rather at odds with their statement to the Ministry of Women.

"Fonterra’s board has signed up to a 50-50 male-female split at leadership level, it’s CEO refuses to speak on panels unless they are diverse so as to have fullness of discussions,” the tweet claims.

Another tweet questioned what was wrong was Fonterra.

“So many amazing, innovative rural women NZ: It’s not the 50’s,” it said.

Fonterra’s twitter account jumped in to explain, but the criticisms continue.

"We know this doesn’t look great and want to share a bit more context,” Fonterra says.

“We have a range of events lined up for International Women's Day. We have inspiring females sharing their stories and this panel of male allies talking about the important role males play in helping to overcome bias in the workplace. Both views are equally as important to achieve change. We’re really committed to improving gender diversity.”

One twitter user replied to Fonterra’s post: “As a bit of context from a woman I don't really want to listen to a panel of men congratulating themselves for being good allies. Give them their cookies and get some women in.”

More like this

Fonterra updates earnings

Fonterra says its earnings for the 2025 financial year are anticipated to be in the upper half of its previously forecast earnings range of 40-60 cents per share.

No buyers

OPINION: Australian dairy is bracing for the retirement of an iconic dairy brand.

Grass-fed faux pas

OPINION: It seems Fonterra has quietly conceded a labelling faux pas on its iconic butter brand.

Featured

Fruit fly discovery 'concerning'

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says that discovery of a male Oriental fruit fly on Auckland’s North Shore is a cause for concern for growers.

Fonterra updates earnings

Fonterra says its earnings for the 2025 financial year are anticipated to be in the upper half of its previously forecast earnings range of 40-60 cents per share.

Nedap NZ launch

Livestock management tech company Nedap has launched Nedap New Zealand.

National

Certainty welcomed

There's been very little reaction to the government science reform announcement, with many saying the devil will be in the…

Science 'deserves more funding'

A committee which carried out the review into New Zealand's science system says the underinvestment will continue to compromise the…

Machinery & Products

Landpower win global award

Christchurch-headquartered Landpower and its Claas Harvest Centre dealerships has taken out the Global After Sales Excellence award in Germany, during…

Innovation, new products galore

It has been a year of new products and innovation at Numedic, the Rotorua-based manufacturer and exporter of farm dairy…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

No buyers

OPINION: Australian dairy is bracing for the retirement of an iconic dairy brand.

RIP Kitkat V

OPINION: Another sign that the plant-based dairy fallacy is unravelling and that nothing beats dairy-based products.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter