MastaPlex Names Dr Matt Dobbs Independent Director
Dunedin-based company MastaPlex, which provides on-farm mastitis diagnostic platform globally, has named a new independent director.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
The state-owned enterprise, described as New Zealand's largest farming business, paid a $25 million dividend to its shareholder and delivered a total shareholder return of 11.4 percent for the year, a measure the company says reflects both financial performance and broader value creation.
The report outlines progress across a range of strategic priorities, including climate adaptation, Farm Environment Plans, workforce development, technology adoption and innovation partnerships.
Pāmu said these priorities reflect the findings of a recent materiality assessment, which identified the value the company provides in testing, demonstrating and sharing new farming approaches that benefit the wider sector, beyond its own operations.
Pāmu Chief Executive Mark Leslie said stakeholders recognised the role Pāmu can play in helping the broader primary sector address shared challenges and opportunities.
"As a state-owned enterprise, we have an opportunity to create spillover benefits that extend well beyond our own farms," Leslie said.
The report cites technology partnerships, genetics programmes, environmental initiatives and other innovations as examples of work aimed at improving productivity, sustainability and resilience across New Zealand agriculture.
The result marks a significant improvement in profitability year-on-year, though the report frames the outcome as more than a financial story — pointing to Pāmu's dual role as a commercial farming business and a state-owned entity expected to generate wider benefits for the sector, including in environmental practice and innovation.
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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