Print this page

Tuesday, 20 April 2021 17:00

PR-101

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size

OPINION: This old mutt reckons that Fonterra must be learning its PR tricks from the Government.

Since time immemorial, governments who want to bury bad news, release it late on the eve of a holiday or long weekend.

So, accordingly, Fonterra announced that it had finally sold its disastrous investment in its China Farms with a media release sent out at 4.26pm on Easter Thursday eve - when most news organisations around the country had already broken up for the Easter Weekend.

And the spinning didn't stop there.

Despite everyone knowing the dairy co-op's 'investment' in its Chinese farms have been a complete financial and practical cluster, chief executive Miles Hurrell uttered this bull manure: "Fonterra has contributed to the development of the Chinese dairy industry by establishing these farms and we're pleased to now hand ownership over to Youran for the next phase of development".

More like this

Fonterra’s Pierre Venter named next vice chancellor of Massey University

Fonterra’s Pierre Venter named next vice chancellor of Massey University

The head of Fonterra's R&D facility in Palmerston North is set to literally cross the road and become the new vice chancellor at Massey University.

Pamu backs Fonterra’s $4.22B divestment as shareholders deliver strong ‘yes’ vote

Pamu backs Fonterra’s $4.22B divestment as shareholders deliver strong ‘yes’ vote

One of Fonterra's largest milk suppliers says Fonterra's board and management have got what they wanted - a great turnout and a positive signal from shareholders on the sale of its co-operative's consumer and related business.

Winston Peters calls Fonterra vote result 'utter madness'

New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.

Winston's crusade

OPINION: A short-term sugar hit. That's what NZ First leader Winston Peters is calling the proposed sale of Fonterra's consumer and associated businesses.

Fonterra executive named new Massey University vice chancellor

When Professor Pierre Venter takes up his new role as vice chancellor at Massey University next February it will just be a matter of taking a few steps across the road to get to his new office at the Palmerston North Campus.

Popular Reads

Fonterra to boost UHT cream production with $150m plant

With Fonterra's UHT plant at its Edendale site less than a year from completion, demand continues to grow for products…

Bold taste wins gold medal

Alliance Group's Pure South Handpicked 55 Day Aged Beef has been recognised on the world stage, securing top honours at the…

Pamu and LIC to launch Synergizer

The first calves of a new crossbred dairy-beef offering are now on the ground at a Pamu (Landcorp) farm near…

Divestment means Fonterra can focus on its strengths

OPINION: Fonterra's board has certainly presented us, as shareholders, with a major issue to consider.

Rising energy prices put NZ meat processing industry under pressure

Rising energy prices are putting financial pressure on the meat processing industry, according to the chair of Meat Industry Association, Nathan…

Featured

Westpac expands community banking with new vans and extended branch hours

Westpac NZ has announced new initiatives that aim to give customers more options to do their banking in person.

NZ red meat exports surge 29% in September 2025

New Zealand red meat exports experienced a 29% increase year-on-year in September, according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA).

MPI defends cost of new biosecurity lab

The head of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity operation, Stuart Anderson, has defended the cost and the need for a Plant Healht and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) being built in Auckland.

BNZ’s First Farm initiative helps future farm owners

BNZ says its new initiative, helping make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking a little easier, is being well received by customers and rural professionals.

Fonterra’s Pierre Venter named next vice chancellor of Massey University

The head of Fonterra's R&D facility in Palmerston North is set to literally cross the road and become the new vice chancellor at Massey University.

EPA chief executive to step down

Allan Freeth, chief executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced he is resigning.

National

South Island farmers battle rare double-whammy of destructive winds and unseasonal snow

A rare weather double-whammy has seen many South Island farmers having to deal with unseasonal snow while still cut off…

Pamu backs Fonterra’s $4.22B divestment as shareholders deliver strong ‘yes’ vote

One of Fonterra's largest milk suppliers says Fonterra's board and management have got what they wanted - a great turnout…

Wools of New Zealand and PGG Wrightson team up to boost wool supply chain efficiency

Wool farmers are hoping that efforts by two leading companies to develop a more efficient supply chain would eventually boost…

Elite sheep dogs to go head-to-head at Ashburton A&P Show

A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the…

Safer Rides initiative boosts farm quad bike safety

According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad…

Machinery & Products

Case IH's expanded Optum Series shorter, lighter and faster

Currently available in New Zealand in 250, 270, 300 and 400 horsepower options, Case IH’s Optum Series is being readied…

Kubota to start field testing robotic tractor

Kubota has announced plans to start field testing the autonomous hydrogen powered fuel cell tractor it recently unveiled at Expo…

New player set to enter SP Mower market

While the Krone Big M has set the standard for many years, sources close to Rural News, with an ear…

US tariffs hit European ag machinery markets

The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural…

Claas unveils next-generation large square baler concept ahead of Agritechnica 2025

Innovation awards at international agricultural events are always on the wishlist of manufacturers.