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.
Former Fonterra chief executive Andrew Ferrier has been named the new chairman of the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise board.
Ferrier begins his three-year term commencing November. He replaces Jon Mayson.
Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce says Ferrier has a wealth of experience in international business and brings strong governance and strategic capability to the NZTE board. He is well placed to take up the role of chair of the board, he adds. Ferrier stepped down from Fonterra earlier this year after serving as CEO for eight years.
Joyce thanked Mayson for his valuable contribution to the operation of NZTE and for steering it through a period of significant change.
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.