With the surprise resignation of John Wilson, the Fonterra board has promoted long-time director John Monaghan as its new chair.

The Hound notes the contribution of former Fonterra chair ‘Little’ Johnny Wilson, who has stood down from the role due to ongoing health issues (How much of a dick does ‘Mouth of the North’ Shane ‘Porn-free’ Jones now feel about his cheap, nasty attack on Wilson at Fieldays?).

Your old mate reckons Trade Minister David Parker and his trade minions now trying to negotiate a free trade deal with the EU only need to look at the recent Tour de France to see how tough it is going to be in getting any FTA across the line.

A mate of the Hound’s – a good, salt-of-the-earth, southern bloke – tells this old mutt that he is less than impressed with claims made by the directors of rural insurance company FMG who are wanting an increase in director fees at the upcoming annual meeting.