Fonterra Begins CEO Search Following Miles Hurrell Resignation
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell has resigned after eight years in the role.
More than 10,000 Northland students will enjoy a daily drink of milk from March 19 as Fonterra Milk for Schools rolls into town.
Registrations for the first round of the Fonterra Milk for Schools Northland pilot closed today. A total of 112 out of 133 schools signed up and ready for their first delivery of milk, says Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings.
“We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the support shown by the Northland community and we can’t wait to start filling the school fridges.
“It’s great to know that we’ll be providing a dose of dairy nutrition to more than 10,000 Kiwi kids every school day,” says Spierings.
The New Zealand dietary guidelines recommend that school children consume at least two to three servings of milk every day.
“Dairy is fundamental for good nutrition, especially in growing bodies. We want to do what we can to ensure New Zealand children grow up drinking milk because it is good for them.
“After much planning and anticipation, we’re excited to see Fonterra Milk for Schools in action and we’re committed to continuing to work with the schools to shape a successful programme,” Spierings says.
Fonterra will be monitoring the pilot over the first three terms to establish how to best introduce Fonterra Milk for Schools nationwide and iron out practical details such as getting the milk to schools, keeping it cool and recycling the packaging.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has released its 2026 election manifesto, outlining priorities to support the sector’s growth, resilience, and contribution to New Zealand’s food security and export revenue.
Farmers have voted to continue the Milksolids Levy that funds DairyNZ.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell has resigned after eight years in the role.
Matt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the Beef +Lamb NZ Board as a farmer director.
Ravensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days Farm Innovation Awards in February 2026.
While mariners may recognise a “dog watch” as a two-hour shift on a ship, the Good Dog Work Watch is quite a different concept and the clever creation of Southland siblings Grace (9) and Archer Brown (7), both pupils at Riverton Primary School.

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