Fonterra capital return could boost GDP – ANZ Report
The Fonterra divestment capital return should provide “a tailwind to GDP growth” next year, according to a new ANZ NZ report, but it’s not “manna from heaven” for the economy.
ANZ says it is ready to support its customers impacted by the recent severe weather on the East Coast.
“It’s been a tough few days for those impacted by the severe weather events, our thoughts are with those dealing with damage and destruction to the community and their businesses, and their family homes,” says Lorraine Mapu, ANZ managing director of business and agri.
“We want to reassure our business, farming and personal customers the bank is here to work with them in the days and months ahead,” Mapu told Rural News.
Targeted assistance is available for business and farming customers such as temporary overdraft facilities and the ability to defer loan repayments or move to interest only to help ease some financial pressure.
“Our team are reaching out to farmers and our small and medium-sized business customers to see what else is needed,” Mapu says.
“We encourage personal and home loan customers to talk to us if they need to relieve pressure on their financial situation,” she says. “There may be a range of ways we could help, such as restructuring their home loan repayments or providing access to an overdraft facility.”
Business and Agri customers should speak to their relationship manager to discuss the impact on their business and their funding requirements.
All other ANZ customers should call 0800 269 296.
Former Fonterra executive Alex Turnbull has been appointed CEO to lead all five Yili Oceania Business Division companies in New Zealand.
Fonterra executive René Dedoncker is leaving the co-operative later this year to lead Australian agribusiness Elders.
Alliance Group and the Southland Stags rugby team have joined forces in a partnership that will see the the meat co-operative's farmgate brand feature on players' team kits and replica jerseys.
Fonterra's plan to expand its organic programme to the South Island is being well received by farmers, the co-op says.
Voting has started for the renewal of DairyNZ's milksolids levy.
The most successful catchment groups in NZ are those that have 'a source to sea' approach.

OPINION: Here w go: the election date is set for November 7 and the politicians are out of the gate…
OPINION: ECan data was released a few days ago showing Canterbury farmers have made “giant strides on environmental performance”.