Solid start to Fonterra's financial year
Fonterra's 2025/26 financial year is off to a strong start, with a first quarter group profit after tax of $278 million- up $15m on the previous year.
Nominations for Fonterra’s director elections are open.
This year, three farmer directors retire by rotation. However, only two seats will be contested as Fonterra’s board size reduces from 11 to 9 – to comprise of six farmer-elected and three independent directors.
As a result of these changes, at this year’s director elections, shareholders will be asked to elect two farmer-elected directors.
This year, sitting directors Leonie Guiney, John Nicholls and chair Peter McBride retire by rotation. Both Nicholls and McBride have confirmed their intention to re-stand for consideration as directors.
Guiney is stepping down after serving nine years as per Fonterra’s board charter.
Long serving independent director, Clinton Dines has also completed the maximum nine-year term. Dines leaves the board at the annual general meeting in November, and therefore will not be replaced. McBride thanked Dines for his contributions.
Farmers are welcoming the announcement of two new bills to replace the under-fire Resource Management Act.
The Government has announced it will immediately roll over all resource consents for two years, with legislation expected to pass under urgency as early as this week.
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society has achieved a major sustainability milestone - reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and reaching the target five years early.
Fonterra's 2025/26 financial year is off to a strong start, with a first quarter group profit after tax of $278 million- up $15m on the previous year.
Government plans to get rid of regional councillors shows a lack of understanding of the fundamental problem affecting all of local government - poor governance.
It’s official, lamb will take centre stage on Kiwi Christmas tables this year.

OPINION: Your old mate welcomes the proposed changes to local government but notes it drew responses that ranged from the reasonable…
OPINION: A press release from the oxygen thieves running the hot air symposium on climate change, known as COP30, grabbed your…