New Zealand Sign Language Week Highlights Inclusion at Fonterra Clandeboye
Last week marked New Zealand Sign Language Week and a South Canterbury tanker operator is sharing what it's like to be deaf in a busy Fonterra depot.
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.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.
Despite difficult trading conditions for European machinery manufacturers brought about conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, alongside the United States imposing punitive tariffs, Italian manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo, has seen turnover increase 12% in 2025 to €390 million (NZ$775m) with a net profit of €11.2 million (NZ$22.3).
New Zealand innovation company Techion, best known for its animal diagnostics platform, FECPAK has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Farmlands to bring independent animal health disease intelligence to its customers.
Zespri says it welcomes the recently signed Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal, describing it as an important step towards supporting growth in the region and for New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.
Troubled milk processor Synlait has lost its third chief executive in five years.
Westgold butter has been named New Zealand's tastiest in a blind tasting conducted by Consumer New Zealand.

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