Four Candidates Confirmed for Fonterra Board Election
Four candidates have been confirmed for two director positions on Fonterra’s board.
Ruralco’s upcoming board election marks an important time for shareholders to have their say on the oversight of the co-operative and how it moves forward, says chair Jessie Chan.
Chan says the election process is essential to ensuring the co-operative has good shareholder engagement.
“As a co-operative, our shareholders own the business, which means it is their business and they need to have a say. This election process determines how all shareholders retain our control of their co-operative,” she says.
“It is important that people engage in the process, both through nominations for directors and through the voting process. We need as many shareholders as possible to vote and exercise their right to have their say,” she says.
Currently, the board is made up of five farmer-elected directors and two independent directors, with the independent directors appointed by the board. All elected directors serve on a three-year rotation.
Chan says she believes there are many talented people within the Ruralco co-operative.
“We have plenty of people who have good governance and business experience, and I am confident we have the talent out there.”
“There is no one single profile which ticks the box, it is about thought diversity – we make better decisions if we think from different angles and that in turn enhances the outcomes for the co-operative,” Chan says.
This year, Chan and Tony Coltman will retire by rotation. Chan has indicated she will not be seeking re-election, while Coltman has indicated he will seek re-election.
Nominations are currently open, and close at 5.30pm Wednesday 12 October 2022. The election will take place at this year’s Annual General Meeting, set to be held on 23 November 2022 in Ashburton.
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
Milk powder prices are continuing their merry run, firming up a potential $10/kgMS farmgate price this season.
Teachers are welcoming the outgoing Government’s U-turn allowing agriculture and horticultural science to remain a standalone Year 11 subject.
Outgoing ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron says Saturday’s election result reflects voters deeply impacted by the cost of living.

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