Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
The Fonterra Shareholders Council admits that it its communication strategy during the TAF process was not up to scratch.
Council chairman Ian Brown says while farmer effort throughout the TAF process was remarkable, the council has had time to review its own performance.
"Communications stands chief among these and farmers have told us that the council did not get this right," he told the co-op annual meeting in Hamilton today.
"Over the next 12 months improvement in this area will be major focus, and we will endeavour to provide you, as the owners of Fonterra, with timely, accurate and relevant communications," Brown told shareholders.
However, he says at the same there is an obligation for all shareholders to take time to read and understand the relevant financial and other documents available to them and provide feedback to councillors.
"This information becomes vital as we move forward under a new capital structure and the council more closely monitors the business and delivers shareholders the resulting financial information as is our obligation."
Brown assured shareholders it will protect farmers' interests, and work to ensure the board meets its stated goals, and is held accountable for them.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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