Friday, 18 October 2019 13:03

Watchdog or lapdog?

Written by  Milking It

At last we see Fonterra shareholders asking questions about its supposed watchdog, the shareholders council.

After years of rubber stamping strategy and executive performance now revealed as fairly average, the council has earned a reputation as being more lapdog than watchdog. Concerned shareholders now want answers. 

They have put a resolution for the Fonterra annual meeting demanding an independent review of the council, to be completed mid-2020 with any constitutional changes tabled at the 2020 annual meeting. 

Crucially, they don’t want another internal whitewash review: they rightly say it must be independent. Milking It has long held doubts about the council’s independence, given it is a proven gateway to plum board positions within the Fonterra network.

Off the back of a $605 million loss this review is a no-brainer. The watchdog has been caught napping on the job.

More like this

Why 'Fork to Farm' Beats Farm to Fork, Expert Says

In the past, much has been made of the concept of farm to fork, but an Australian expert in food science and marketing with experience in the dairy industry, Dr Angeline Achariya, says the reverse of this slogan is critical to win modern day consumers.

Featured

Ballance Urges Farmers to Plan Ahead for El Niño

With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.

Why 'Fork to Farm' Beats Farm to Fork, Expert Says

In the past, much has been made of the concept of farm to fork, but an Australian expert in food science and marketing with experience in the dairy industry, Dr Angeline Achariya, says the reverse of this slogan is critical to win modern day consumers.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Domestic Focus

OPINION: After hogging the media limelight for telling a NZ Chinese MP to "go back home", Winston Peters has decided…

A No-Brainer

OPINION: With fuel prices soaring, one would have expected most farmers to be reclaiming excise duty on petrol.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter