Fonterra’s Pierre Venter named next vice chancellor of Massey University
The head of Fonterra's R&D facility in Palmerston North is set to literally cross the road and become the new vice chancellor at Massey University.
Fonterra’s chief financial officer Marc Rivers will leave the co-op at the end of this year.
Rivers who joined Fonterra in 2018 has played a critical role in resetting the financial health of the co-operative, says chief executive Miles Hurrell.
“It’s been clear from day one that Marc felt a great sense of responsibility to our farmer owners, unit holders and also New Zealand’s economy,” says Hurrell.
“Our balance sheet is now in a strong position. We have a long-term strategy with clear targets out to 2030 and our farmer owners have given the green light on our Flexible Shareholding capital structure. Marc has been instrumental in all of these areas.
“We are moving from reset to a new phase of creating value, and Marc has decided that this is a natural point in time for a move.”
Rivers will remain the role until the co-op’s annual meeting, normally held in November.
Hurrell says Rivers will help support him in identifying a successor and ensuring a smooth transition and handover.
Rivers says his time with Fonterra has been a privilege.
“I’ve learned a lot and also had the opportunity to be a meaningful part of the lives of many people across our co-op.
“We have worked together to rebuild the health and wellbeing of Fonterra and I look forward to seeing the goodness the co-op creates over the coming years.”
With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.

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