Fonterra Suppliers Confident in Mainland Dairy Future
Fonterra's 460 milk suppliers in Australia, who will switch to Lactalis end of this month, are unfazed with the impending change.
FORMER FONTERRA director Greg Gent has been elected to the board of Southern Cross Medical Care Society, New Zealand’s largest health insurer with around 830,000 members.
Gent retired from Fonterra’s board at November’s annual meeting after ten years on the cooperative’s top table.
Southern Cross says Gent has a strong record of governance experience in mutual/co-operative businesses, insurance and health, currently chairing Farmers Mutual Group and sitting on the Northland District Health Board.
“Greg will be a very valuable addition to the Board,” says Southern Cross chairman Graeme Hawkins.
“His combination of experience, particularly in the governance of large, complex mutual businesses, aligns very well with the needs of Southern Cross.”
Gent replaces Mark Verbiest, who retired from Southern Cross to focus on his new role as Chair of Telecom.
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.

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