Wednesday, 12 October 2016 14:11

Time to move co-op forward

Written by 

Fonterra chairman John Wilson says the final vote on governance and representation reflects shareholder sentiment.

He says that the recommendations were a significant improvement and it was time to move the cooperative forward.

“Cooperatives, by their nature, need consensus on the important decisions. That is as it should be and today we have agreed on the final recommendations after a very constructive eight months of discussions and refinements,” says Wilson.

“It is a clear signal from our shareholder base that it is time to push on so the co-op can focus on our business priorities.”

Fonterra shareholders voted 85.96% in favour of the new proposal by the board.

The main effect of the changes is that a new election process for farmer directors will come into force. Under this process, candidates are selected by an Independent Selection Panel, then approved by the Nominations Committee of the Board and by the Shareholders Council before they are put forward to shareholders for their vote and support.

There is also provision for candidates to stand outside this process and self-nominate, provided they are supported by 35 other shareholders. A first past the post majority voting system will mean all director candidates now need at least 50% farmer support.

More like this

Keeping a watch on dairy farms

OPINION: Dairy farmers are under increasing pressure to safeguard their livestock, equipment and operations from a range of security threats.

Inconvenient truth

OPINION: You would've missed this one if you rely on mainstream media for your news, but your old mate reckons credit should go where credit's due: Emissions by dairy cattle decreased by 1.6% according to the latest NZ Greenhouse Gas Inventory report.

Featured

ANZCO Foods' net profit plunges

Meat processor ANZCO Foods’ net profit has plunged on the back of lower market returns which squeezed margins and impacted business performance.

Editorial: Forest for the trees?

OPINION: Most people will be aware of the Government's plans to boost coal, oil and gas production to meet energy requirements.

Protest planned outside dairy awards venue

As the dairy industry prepares to celebrate its top achievers at an awards night this Saturday, attendees are being warned to be aware of protests planned outside the venue – Baypark Arena, Mount Mauganaui.

National

Machinery & Products

Iconic TPW Woolpress turns 50!

The company behind the iconic TPW Woolpress, which fundamentally changed the way wool is baled in Australia and New Zealand,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Keep it up

OPINION: The good fight against "banking wokery" continues with a draft bill to scrap the red tape forcing banks and…

We're OK!

OPINION: Despite the volatility created by the shoot-from-the-hip trade tariff 'stratefy' being deployed by the new state tenants in the…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter