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Michael Spaans.
Sadly, our cooperative has lost one of our strongest people with former director Michael Spaans passing away last week.
Michael decided earlier this year to step down from the Fonterra board to try to recover from cancer.
He and I go back many years and I saw him approach the illness as he approached everything in life -- resolute, determined and doing his utmost to continue as normal. His was a brave fight and I am sure that will not surprise those of you who knew him.
Michael was a proud dairy farmer with a passion for our co-op and industry -- a fine example of a leader developed within our ranks.
He brought experience and a huge energy and commitment to our board, and won the respect of his fellow directors and farmers for his willingness to listen and engage.
Michael was a man who knew the importance of detail. He made sure he knew this business extremely well, and understood our strategy and detail in the numbers. He always looked for constructive solutions and thought deeply about our co-op’s governance and his role in the evolution of our business.
His insights, experience, genuine interest and inquisitive mind were invaluable on Fonterra’s milk price panel, the cooperative relations committee and the audit and finance committee.
As recently as last month Michael was working for the betterment of New Zealand farmers in his capacity as chairman of DairyNZ. He also remained an ambassador for Fonterra in Wellington and on the international stage, speaking recently at the United Nations in New York on behalf of the Global Dairy Platform and all farmers.
We have lost a close friend, leader and an advocate of our industry much too soon. Our thoughts and deep gratitude for all that he contributed go to his family.
• John Wilson is chairman of Fonterra.
OPINION: There is zero chance that someone who joined Fonterra as a lobbyist, then served as a general manager of Fonterra's nutrient management programme, and sat on the board of Export NZ, a division of lobbyist group Business New Zealand, doesn't understand that local butter (and milk and cheese) prices are set by the international commodity price.
Kiwis love their butter, and that's great because New Zealand produces some of the best butter in the world. But when the price of butter goes up, it's tough for some, particularly when many other grocery staples have also gone up and the heat goes on co-operative Fonterra, the country's main butter maker. Here the co-op explains why butter prices are so high right now.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown has waded into the debate around soaring butter prices, pointing out that the demand for dairy overseas dictates the price to farmers and at the supermarket.
An A$2 billion bid for Fonterra's Oceania business would be great news, according to Forsyth Barr senior analyst, equities, Matt Montgomerie.
From nitrogen limits to ecosystem restoration –farmers and catchment groups are leading a new wave of environmental care, says DairyNZ.
Kiwis love their butter, and that's great because New Zealand produces some of the best butter in the world. But when the price of butter goes up, it's tough for some, particularly when many other grocery staples have also gone up and the heat goes on co-operative Fonterra, the country's main butter maker. Here the co-op explains why butter prices are so high right now.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown has waded into the debate around soaring butter prices, pointing out that the demand for dairy overseas dictates the price to farmers and at the supermarket.
Farmers are welcoming new Government proposals to make farm health and safety rules more practical and grounded in real-world farming.
Missing fresh mozzarella cheese made at home in Bari, southern Italy, Massimo Lubisco and his wife Marina decided to bring a taste of home to New Zealand.
An A$2 billion bid for Fonterra's Oceania business would be great news, according to Forsyth Barr senior analyst, equities, Matt Montgomerie.
Irish meat processor Dawn Meats is set to acquire a 70% stake in Alliance Group, according to a report in The Irish Times.
