Alex Turnbull Appointed CEO of Yili Oceania Division
Former Fonterra executive Alex Turnbull has been appointed CEO to lead all five Yili Oceania Business Division companies in New Zealand.
Former Westland Milk chairman Pete Morrison says Yili’s new ownership represents a significant milestone for the former co-op and the start of a new era for the dairy industry on the West Coast.
He says Westland is a proud business with a strong history on the West Coast and in Canterbury.
“Jingang’s ownership provides confidence, security and competitive payouts for farmers – and their families – in our region. I am sure this will provide a strong platform for dairying in the region for many years ahead.”
Morrison says throughout the sale process all farmers were treated equally and all stand to be equally rewarded in the future.
“Fairness and equality were critical principles for the board and we are pleased these principles were understood and respected by Jingang and Yili throughout our negotiations.
“My fellow farmers and I now look forward to helping Yili achieve its long term goal of becoming the most trusted healthy food provider in the world. It is an exciting vision and it is exciting to help make this a reality.
“The strong engagement and support shown by Westland’s shareholders at the recent shareholder meeting demonstrates the importance our farmers place on the new relationship and their faith in Yili working with them to build Westland’s positive future.
“It is truly a win-win result for all involved.”
Controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill have been lifted.
Fonterra farmer shareholders and unit holders are in line for another payment in April.
Farmers are being encouraged to take a closer look at the refrigerants running inside their on-farm systems, as international and domestic pressure continues to build on high global warming potential (GWP) 400-series refrigerants.
As expected, Fonterra has lifted its 2025-26 forecast farmgate milk price mid-point to $9.50/kgMS.
Bovonic says a return on investment study has found its automated mastitis detection technology, QuadSense, is delivering financial, labour, and animal-health benefits on New Zealand dairy farms worth an estimated $29,547 per season.
Pāmu has welcomed ten new apprentices into its 2026 intake, marking the second year of a scheme designed to equip the next generation of farmers with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for a thriving career in agriculture.

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