Winston Peters calls Fonterra vote result 'utter madness'
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
Early voting figures showed more than 85% of farmer shareholders have approved reducing the board size to 11 — made up of seven farmer-elected and four independent directors.
About 100 farmer shareholders are attending a special meeting in Palmerston North today and will cast their votes soon.
Fonterra chairman John Wilson announced at the meeting that as at 10,30am today, 85.45% of farmers have voted in support.
The co-op needs 75% support to change its constitution.
The board’s last attempt to pass the changes attracted only 64% support.
