Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
Australian Clinton Dines will take up the board position made vacant by Sir Ralph Norris on November 25 at the annual meeting.
Chairman John Wilson says world-class governance is one of the board's top priorities, and the co-op needs directors with a broad range of talent and depth of business experience.
"The board welcomes Mr Dines, an Australian, who has outstanding business and governance credentials."
Dine has experience in China, having lived and worked there for 36 years. He took up a role as a senior executive for BHP Billiton in 1988, his tenure lasted 21 years and saw him become president of the company.
"His expertise in managing the complexities of a large global commodity business, and leading organisations through change and growth make him ideally qualified to join Fonterra's Board," says Wilson.
"Mr Dines is well versed in managing the impacts of global commodity price fluctuations. Fourteen years of his time at BHP in China were in a buyers' market where the prices were low, while the last seven years were in a boom market."
Dines currently serves on the boards of KAZ Minerals and Zanaga Iron Ore. These are significant businesses listed on the London Stock Exchange and AIM. In addition, he is a non-executive director of Aurecon, a professional services engineering group, North Queensland Airports, and Griffith University.
The independent directors of the manager of the Fonterra Shareholders' Fund support Dines' appointment.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
Blueberries have the potential to become a major horticultural export, earning up to $150 million within the next three to five years.
Twenty five secondary school students from around New Zealand recently completed a three day residential programme designed to explore career opportunities across the food and fibre production supply chain.
Conversions of sheep and beef farms to forestry have slowed, however new research from Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) suggests land of value for food production remains at risk.
OPINION: A simpler, clearer, more effective Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.
OPINION: The Irish dairy sector is facing a new dilemma - maintaining year-round fresh milk supplies.
OPINION: Could beef cows play an increasingly important role in improving profitability and resilience on hill country farms?