Fonterra Names Four Independently Assessed Director Candidates
Fonterra Co-operative Group has confirmed the independently assessed candidates standing for election to its board in 2026.
Fonterra’s chief operating officer (COO) Fraser Whineray is leaving the co-op after three years in the
role.
Whineray intends to resign from Fonterra at the end of this financial year on July 31, the co-op has told the
New Zealand Stock Exchange.
Chief executive officer Miles Hurrell says Whineray has indicated he intends to embark on a new career path
and is looking to become more involved in venture capital as an investor and governor.
“I wish him well with this endeavour.”
Hurrell says Whineray joined Fonterra in 2020 and has made a significant contribution during his time with
the business.
“Fraser has set the co-op ambitious goals for decarbonisation and the management of water, and
his enterprise leadership helped shape our new strategy and 2030 targets.
“He will leave our operations business unit in great shape with a longer-term outlook and a sharp focus on
efficiency.
“I thank Fraser for his leadership of a critical part of our business, and for his support to me and the wider
Fonterra management team.”
Whineray is committed to helping with finding a successor and ensuring a smooth handover, Hurrell
says.
Whineray had a long career with power company Mercury NZ before taking the top role at Fonterra. He
joined Mercury in 2008 and became chief executive in 2014. He has also worked at Credit Suisse and Carter
Holt Harvey.
Whineray is no stranger to the dairy industry: he started his career as a graduate of the New Zealand
Dairy Board&'s technical training programme and has previously held roles at Puhoi Valley Cheese.
Whineray holds an MBA from the University of Cambridge, a Post Graduate Diploma in Dairy Science &
Technology from Massey University and a Bachelor of Chemical & Process Engineering from the University of
Canterbury.
Ravensdown shareholders have elected Jane Montgomery and Kate Acland to the Ravensdown Board for three-year terms, following a closely contested director election.
Federated Farmers says new legislation replacing the Resource Management Act will cut red tape, unlock investment and help grow New Zealand's export-led economy, after the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill passed their third reading in Parliament yesterday.
Leading figures from the major political parties will be questioned on their primary sector policies at the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton, on 30 September.
OPINION: Have a plan in place now!
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says it welcomes the passage of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill, calling the bills a positive step for sheep and beef farmers.
A spate of southerly winds bringing cold temperatures has presented challenges for Taranaki dairy farmers.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…