New Zealand Sign Language Week Highlights Inclusion at Fonterra Clandeboye
Last week marked New Zealand Sign Language Week and a South Canterbury tanker operator is sharing what it's like to be deaf in a busy Fonterra depot.
Fonterra Co-operative Council chair James Barron is stepping down after three years in the role.
Barron, who represents South Waikato on the council, retires by rotation this year and isn't seeking re-election.
He will hand over to a new chairman, to be elected by the 25 councillors, at Fonterra's annual meeting in early November. A new councillor for South Waikato will also be elected at the annual meeting.
Barron told Rural News that he was confident now was a good time to step down and hand over the reins to someone else.
"I'm confident now is a good time for succession to happen," he says.
"There has been a lot going on in the co-op over the last few years. Now we are in a period of relative stability and that allows me to step back and focus on other areas."
OPINION: Farmers around the country are welcoming the proposed reform of local government.
A move to boost farmer uptake of low methane emitting sheep is underway.
Silver Fern Farms has tackled the ongoing war-induced shipping challenges to mideast markets by airlifting 90 tonnes of chilled New Zealand lamb and beef to the United Arab Emirates.
The primary sector is leading New Zealand's economic recovery, according to economist and researcher Cameron Bagrie.
Dairy industry leader Jim van der Poel didn't make much of the invitation he received to the recent New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua.
Farmers around the country are going public big time, demanding their local district, city and regional councils come up with amalgamation plans that meet the needs of rural communities and don't allow urban councils to dominate.

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