What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
The Waipu farmer is one of two farmer shareholders elected unopposed to the co-op’s remuneration committee. The other is Shirley Trumper.
The committee recommends remuneration of Fonterra chair, board members and council members to farmer shareholders.
Couper stepped down as council chair in 2012, unhappy with some aspects of the proposed Trading Among Farmers (TAF), which was later approved by farmer shareholders.
Meanwhile current council chair John Stevenson, Wairarapa ward, is one of four councillors elected unopposed for another term.
The others are Kylie Leonard, Central Plateau, Don Moore, Eastern Southland and Grant Coombes, Waikato West. Andrew Myres is the new councillor for Waipa ward, elected unopposed.
Election is required in two wards; Sue McKay and Cushla Smith will battle it out in Southern Northland while Aleisha Bloomfield and Robert Cookson will contest Piako ward.
Voting starts Tuesday and closes 10.30am on November 7.
