Open Country opens butter plant
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
The Dairy Women's Network has launched a recruitment campaign for a new chief executive.
Board chair Michelle Wilson said applications have opened with a number of people already registering their interest.
"The CEO is the face of the Dairy Women's Network and will represent the organisation and members at the highest level as the network is increasingly invited to contribute to discussions regarding the future direction of the dairy industry."
She says strategic business and financial acumen, an understanding of adult learning, a focus on achieving results and the ability to build effective relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders are some of the more important attributes the successful applicant will need to possess.
"The CEO will have a strong people focus and an affinity for women in the business of dairying. An innate understanding of the New Zealand agricultural industry will be a distinct advantage."
The role, which Wilson has temporarily filled for the past five months, is based in the network's Hamilton office where most of its six full and part-time staff members are also situated.
With charitable trust status, the network receives project funding from DairyNZ, and has a stable of influential agribusiness and industry sponsors.
Wilson says the network has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 1998, firmly establishing itself as an innovative and influential national organisation.
"We lead some significant industry projects, including developing Project Pathfinder, the first leadership programme for women working in the dairying industry – and we are looking for someone who has the credibility, reputation, experience and drive to continue moving the Dairy Women's Network forward."
Sheffield has been appointed to manage the recruitment campaign which closes on September 29.
More information and the position description can be found on the Dairy Women's Network and Sheffield websites. For those interested in applying, official applications can made through the Seek advertisement or Sheffield website - www.sheffield.co.nz.
Horticulture New Zealand says proposed changes to the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 will drive innovation, investment and long-term productivity.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.
Despite difficult trading conditions for European machinery manufacturers brought about conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, alongside the United States imposing punitive tariffs, Italian manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo, has seen turnover increase 12% in 2025 to €390 million (NZ$775m) with a net profit of €11.2 million (NZ$22.3).
New Zealand innovation company Techion, best known for its animal diagnostics platform, FECPAK has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Farmlands to bring independent animal health disease intelligence to its customers.
Zespri says it welcomes the recently signed Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal, describing it as an important step towards supporting growth in the region and for New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.
Troubled milk processor Synlait has lost its third chief executive in five years.